Parenting and motherhood in the midst of military life
Parenting…it can feel a little chaotic. In fact, somedays it can feel like seeing a tornado smack dab in the middle of a trailer park. Stuff is flying everywhere, it’s loud, and more than anything, you’re just trying to survive. I’ve been there too, friend.
That’s why I’ve created a safe space here. A space where you can find practical parenting resources and ideas to help you create a peaceful home and connected relationship with your child.
Whether it’s getting your kids to listen, dealing with strong-willed kids, taming big emotions or beyond, there is something here for just for you.
Meet Lauren
Raising Kids
Christmas is a magical time for families, especially when you have small kids. Carefully choosing a few toddler stocking stuffers and placing them in our kids' stockings is one thing I'm looking forward to most this year. Stocking stuffers for toddlers are tiny treasures and sometimes they [...]
Mom Life
I used to be a bit grinchy during past Christmastimes. It's hard to admit, but it's true: I didn’t love Christmas music, gift giving or holiday parties. I claimed “it just wasn’t my thing.” I realized that one of the big reasons I put up a lot of walls during the holidays was because I [...]
Schedule / Routine
Updated 10/18/19 I regularly get questions from readers about how to create a good sample daily toddler schedule. While not every toddler is the same, I do think it’s very helpful to see what other moms are doing in their homes. Five stay-at-home moms were asked to share their schedules. So I [...]
Love the listening course and the routine card printables and listening workbook so far. Listening has been our biggest challenge lately. My son was flat out just ignoring our voices. I started implementing the strategies yesterday and it was such smooth sailing all day long. Not only that, but the empathy statements and “turning a no into a yes” actually had my three year old saying “okay, mom” happily and complying right away without fighting or tears, by the end of the day! And it has worked wonders for my mood and frustration level when the arguing and tears are not averted. Trying to keep the 5:1 ratio has made me realize what a bad habit I’d fallen into. It becomes so easy to give commands and warnings and issue no’s, that you forget to take notice of the good! I feel so much better, as a mom, now that I’m intentionally encouraging my kid for his strengths. Thank you so much!
I have been reading your blog now for a few months and I really respect your advice and ideas. I also signed up for your “better listening” email series and have been learning a ton and working on implementing your advice with my 21 month & 3 1/2 year olds. They are responding well and I am looking particularly forward to working through these strategies with my youngest. He is as sharp as a tack and just coming into his own now. These tools are great and it’s awesome to have been equipped with them right as he’s coming into the defiance stage. I feel much more confident in my ability to manage the challenges of this stage now. Thank you!
I picked up these routine cards this week from The Military Wife and Mom because my 3 year old tends to put up a fight when getting ready to leave the house, or go to bed. Or eat a meal. Or start her day. These made a HUGE difference in like one day.
Instead of reminding and counting down and trying to avoid meltdowns, last night we sang the Olaf song as she cheerfully picked out her Olaf underwear and put them on.
This morning she pumped her fist and said, “the last one is ‘comb hair!’” before she came into the bathroom and started brushing her own hair. I’m sold! I truly love these and think any toddler mom could benefit!
Right before I gave up, I came across your site from Pinterest. My heart sunk and I signed up for your daily email list of listening. Every morning I received an email from you before I got out of the bed for the day, which couldn’t have been more perfect and encouraging to start the days. I immediately put your advice in action. My husband and I saw a different child within minutes. It’s been a few weeks since I started and the list could go on! I’m really grateful I came across your site! It changed my relationship 180°. Thank you said so much! I’ve already shared your link with my family and friends! I think every parent needs to read this!
Oh my goodness. I needed this so much. I stumbled upon another post of yours on Pinterest, and it lead me here. My 2 year is soooo strong willed. This had me in tears because finally someone gets it! Without wanting to admit it… I needed some help. Thank you so much for putting this out there.
I am so glad I came across your blog. This really opened my eyes as to why my nearly 2 year-old son will not listen. I was reaching my limit with him not listening, and the techniques you share here are exactly what I need.
A quick thank you while my 15 month old son is sleeping. So glad I found you on my motherhood journey. After 17 years of being childless (but envisioning a future life with a calm and peaceful soul), I gave birth at 43 to a larger-than-life, highly spirited, vocal baby whom I couldn’t relate to. Everyday has been a challenge to meet his ever increasing needs. Your guidance has helped organize me and prepare me mentally more than any other blog or support group, thank you.
