All kids want to connect, all kids want to be understood, all kids want a say in what they do and how they do it.”

Instead of thinking, “How can I control this child?” we can think of our child as being on the same team and invite his help and participation.” Punishments and rewards don’t always work as well as we think. It also had some life gems for me. Never really understood why I couldn't take praises when I was a child myself, but after listening the part about praises, now finally understood what mistakes most of us do when praising one and another. Make a sign that says kitchen open at 7AM so that your child knows not to come into the kitchen until 7AM. Like most other discipline books, this one says no to time outs. Parents can put themselves in time out (122), or sit in time out with their child with the parent’s arm around the child comfortingly (123). The latter rewards the child’s bad behavior with love and attention from the parent. The Wonder Weeks describes in easy-to-understand terms the incredible developmental changes and regression periods that all babies go through during the first 20 months of their lives.

Sometimes we just need someone to listen and nod, not boss us around, or tell us what we’re feeling isn’t the right thing to be feeling.

Chapter 1 Tools for Handling Emotions … What's All the Fuss about Feelings?-When kids don't feel right, they can't behave right 3

If your kid can’t consistently use the potty, give her a diaper vacation (189). Just hope that she volunteers to wear underwear again and doesn’t regress. When other tactics have failed and you are angry at your kids, going for a run can help (361). You can’t take care of others without taking care of yourself first.So our kids get told what to do. All day long. That’s the reality of being a kid. And they should listen, because we’re in charge and we’re just trying to do what’s best for them, and keep them from killing themselves, or at least protect them from stinkiness, rotted teeth, malnutrition, and exhaustion.” Sometimes we just need someone to listen and nod, not boss us around, or tell us what we’re feeling isn’t the right thing to be feeling. Instead of saying, “you spilled the milk” you can say “I really don’t like it when milk is spelt”. Instead of being accusatory towards the other person with “You”, you’re saying “I” have a problem with that this technique. This technique is universally effective wherever people are involved. Try it with your kids.

Criticism in the midst of a struggle hurts. To say that you are doing fine when the child is struggling. Motivation comes from progress, that “ B is well written.” Appreciate the positive, and then say what needs to be done instead of criticism. Instead of focusing on the mistakes, focus on what the child has already achieved.Chapter 4 Tools for Praise and Appreciation … Not All Odes Are Equal-Ways to praise that will help, not hinder 135

Making minor mistakes drives perfectionists mad. But perfectionists are rarely the most effective co-workers. As with your kids, little mistakes done playfully can unwire a bias toward ideological thinking and can unleash creativity in others. Taking action to protect yourself and those around you is an essential life skill for adults and a powerful way to model for our children how to deal with conflict.” Make a list to help kids stay on task and not get distracted (190). Draw pictures on the list for those who can’t read. Dependence ultimately fosters feelings of helplessness, resentment, and frustration — but you don’t need to be told that because you know some of these people as adults. Investment in Your Family's Beyond immediate problem-solving, this book is an investment in the long-term well-being of your family. It equips parents with valuable skills to nurture positive parent-child relationships and effective communication. By promoting trust, empathy, and cooperation, it sets the stage for a loving and supportive family environment that will benefit everyone for years to come.I feel like shouting from the rooftops! “I’VE FOUND IT! I’VE FINALLY FOUND IT! THE SURVIVAL GUIDE TO PARENTING!” I want to tell every single parent I know about this book. I want everyone’s lives to be easier because of this book. I want this book to help change parenting in people’s homes the way it did for mine. I want others to feel the relief of FINALLY having some answers on what you should really do! For example, nap time and bedtime has become a whole lot for fun as I now pretend to get an officers attention to sneak us onto a boat to let Madi sleep in a cabin while at sea. We then read a book about animals in the ocean and my toddler is in charge of keeping the baby animals safe while she naps. It is quite fun for the both of us! 💞 Tell kids what they can do instead of what they can’t. Example: Instead of saying “Don’t throw sand,” say “Sand is for pouring and digging” (195). I think this is good advice, but I think it’s important to include the information about what the kid should not do: “Sand is for pouring and digging, not for throwing.” If you don’t include the “not for throwing,” then the kid might think it’s still okay to do it.