A big revelation for me as a parent dramatically changed how I parented. Now, after two decades as a parenting instructor and parent coach, it turns out this same factor is a common blind spot for many parents.

But before I share this realization, ask yourself a few questions: Is my child disrespectful? And do I take my child's strong-willed behavior personally and react? Is my preteen talking back? Am I a bad parent? Do I feel helpless in knowing appropriate limits? Does my teen rebel, and is teenage rebellion normal?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes ♥Practice and mastery of parenting [...]

In the past three decades as a parent, parent educator, and behavioral consultant, I have discussed the subject of spanking with droves of parents. Some parents still advocate spanking; many more are ambivalent or hesitant about spanking but still use it as a form of discipline. In fact, 50% of parents of toddlers still spank.

Why? Because it works, right? No, because it works in the short term. We like quick fixes, and we want to see immediate results. Besides, immediate obedience equals respect, doesn't it? Find out the effects of spanking on a child's brain and development with recent [...]

Parenting is a difficult and complex job. No one who has ever been a parent will argue this point. However, one of the reasons that parenting is so hard is not because children are difficult but because we do not know how to parent consciously from a free place. When we are able to modulate our own emotions and reactions in response to their behavior, we can then respond from a much more loving place.

Recently, I watched a video on procrastination, and memories flooded back on my own personal struggles with this beast. Years ago, I was a chronic procrastinator, with tons of guilt and self-condemnation that often accompany this habit. I used to berate myself every time I didn't accomplish my goals or if I procrastinated on an important project or an unpleasant task. It was brutal.

Estimated reading time: 4.5 minutes 

Montessori says: "Freedom in intellectual work is found to be the basis of internal discipline." A young child's ability to exercise decisions in their environment whether at home or at school is something that needs to be practiced. Listening to their inner teacher is the foundation of empowerment and builds emotional intelligence.

As parents, how do we best help children to learn self-discipline while also honoring their freedom? We need to learn how to allow a child to guide their actions by their inner teacher within a framework that keeps them safe. How do we best accomplish this goal? 

Every holiday season, I tell myself that I’m going to get Christmas shopping done early so I can focus on spending quality time with my family. Sound familiar? It doesn’t always happen, but I’ve found that setting an intention to create rituals that support that goal is helpful. It’s easy to lose sight of the spirit of Christmas (or Hanukkah) when our to-do and shopping lists devour our time, energy, and pocketbooks.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

“Upon entry I feel peace and acceptance! Congratulations on your beautiful new location.” —A “Love Note” left at the Heartmanity Center Grand OpeningHeartmanity opened its nearly 1,900 square feet center in the autumn of 2013 with a celebratory Open House. It was a remarkable event and a wonderful gathering of growth-minded people.

Quick read!

A woman came to me with a caring question on how to alleviate the stress of a major move with small children. She had a friend in the midst of moving who had a 3-year-old son in tow and had been acting out a lot. She asked, "Do you have any suggestions that might help make their move easier?"

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Thank you for joining us for the Heartmanity Center's grand opening celebration!

We are so grateful to everyone for all your encouragement and support.Thank you for sharing our celebration with us! We had lots of fun with the great connections and such a fantastic turn-out along with raffle items, door prizes and yummy treats from our favorite chef, Sarah Knecht.

Have you ever had one of those serendipitous days when you had a pleasant surprise change your mood instantly?

Last Saturday, I had a zillion things on my to-do list. The house was deserted—a perfect time to get a ton of work accomplished. But not that day! My brain circuitry was on overload. I headed to Dailey Lake for a quick swim, and I took our golden retrievers along for some exercise.

Arriving at the lake 45 minutes later, I found it busy with vacationers. Driving around looking for a good spot to park, I counted eight dogs along the beach. Parking the car, I opened up the backend and [...]