Parenting during coronavirus: How to stay sane with your kids amidst social distancing

Parenting during the coronavirus pandemic is exceptionally challenging. You don’t have the luxury of dropping your kids off at school, dropping them off at daycare, having the nanny come over, going to the public park or library, going out to eat, or having amazing playdates.

Now the pressure is on you to keep them entertained and occupied all day long.

If this is your plight, don’t fret. I’ve got you. Here are some simple ways to survive being cooped up with your kids all day.

1) Create a simple schedule

One thing that many parents do to make this transition easier, is to have a simple schedule. You do not have to map out every minute of every day, but a flexible schedule can be helpful in giving your kids structure.

That way you don’t feel like you’re raising wild chickens on a farm.

If you are working from home, ensure that the schedule works for you. Because your kids’ lives are no longer determined by the school schedule, you get to make your own! That’s actually a great thing.

The easiest tasks to plan out are meal times and bed times. But I’m sure you probably already have meal times in your home. Keep meal times and bedtime the same, so that the transition to normal life isn’t too hard when they have to go back to school.

Once you’ve chosen meal times and a bed time, it’s time to actually plan activities.

If your kids are school aged, chances are that they are homeschooling. Throw in a few of their school subjects (Math, ELA, Science), give them many breaks in between, and they should be good. Luckily, many schools aren’t just throwing parents in the wind. They are giving them some work and websites to play on.

If you feel confused about what your child should be doing academically, reach out to your child’s teacher for some tips. This is also a great time to reach out to other friends who are in the same boat. Remember, you are not alone. Pretty much most parents in the world are going through this with you.

Also add clean up time and chore time on your schedule. Chores help kids learn vital life skills. They also create a sense of independence and competence.

Ensure that you include a time when your child can hang out with you. This is an amazing time to secure that parent-child bond. Yes, even teenagers need time with mom and dad.

Let’s not forget that self care is incredibly important during this season. If you’re not taking care of yourself, things become increasingly frustrating. Here is a link to some healthy habits you can incorporate for yourself.

2) Include time for free play

Although schedules are great for kids- because predictable lives help kids feel safe- do not over schedule them.

Just like no adult can go 8 hours without some type of break, your kids also need to be kids.

Little ones do well when they are able to just roam around the house using their imagination. Elf course you want to secure cabinets and other areas that could present safety hazards. Encourage the kids to get off the couch and just move.

I personally love the Nintendo Wii and other gaming systems that encourage movement. Of course, there has to be a fine line. You don’t want your kids staring at a screen all day, You get to decide how much screen time is too much.

Many parents are also using Go noodle as a way to get their kids moving and shaking. And if you want to get the kids moving without using screens, put on some music so the kids can just dance. You can even join in the fun.

Younger kids can build forts (yes, I know they look a mess, but they are so enjoyable), play with Legos, draw, color or paint. Older kids can also create art, read and engage in all sorts of crafts. They don’t have to sit in front of video games all day.

You are only limited by your imagination.

3) Stay connected virtually

One of the toughest things about social distancing is that kids are disconnected from their friends. They don’t get playdates, they don’t get to run around the neighborhood, and they do not get to engage in their usual extracurricular activities.

Enter technology.

Virtual playdates can help to maintain social connections. Create blocks of time when your kids can call friends on the phone or even video chat with them.

I recently discovered a app called Marco Polo. It’s pretty cool. You get to send short video messages to your loved ones. Both you and your kids will probably enjoy this.

Although this isn’t the same as an in person connection, it’s much better than being all alone. So get creative.

4) Let the kids help you

If your kids are old enough, now is the time to get your house in tip top shape. If you already have daily or weekly chores for your kids, make sure you continue with those.

And if you don’t, now could be a good time to implement new ones.

You do not have to use the word ‘Chore.’ You can say ‘Responsibilities,’ or ‘Tasks.’ Truth is every human has to have chores.

If you’re an entrepreneur, your business is an endless list of chores. If you’re a parent, keeping your kids alive is a series of chores. If you are an employee, keeping your job is an endless list of chores. Starting them young only prepares them for the future.

Chores are simply life skills that help your kids become healthy, successful adults.

Embed the chores into your daily schedule. You could have them make their beds each morning, put away their dishes, fold laundry or put their toys away.

Here is a blog post that details a bunch of age appropriate chores for kids.

Start with 1 or 2 chores, then build up from there. Your kids will thank you when they become competent adults!

5) Help your kids understand the new normal

This is a stressful and uncertain time for a lot of people. And of course, as a parent, you don’t have all the answers.

Explain the situation as best you can. Little ones definitely have no idea what a virus is, so maybe help them understand that we have to stay in our bubble for a little while.

For older kids, you could explain what a virus is, and let them know why we are actually practicing social distancing.

There is no need to go over numbers, charts and all the gritty details with them. Let them be kids. But reframe this situation as our new normal. Naturally, some kids will feel afraid. This is the time to validate their feelings, offer them comfort and let them know that you will be here with them.

I highly suggest keeping the news turned off so that kids aren’t terrified. Their little brains cannot possibly process what’s going on.

Because social distancing is such an unknown thing, structure will help kids feel safe and loved. But if the house feels chaotic, it could make them feel so much more uneasy.

Check in with them daily or every few days so that they can share their thoughts with you. Nothing connects a child to a parent more than love and attention.

How is social distancing affecting you and your household?

If you are feeling anxious about the current situation or struggling with insomnia, I’m here to help. I’m a therapist in Murrieta who offers therapy for anxiety, insomnia, as well as marriage counseling in the Temecula-Murrieta area. Due to social distancing guidelines, I am now seeing clients online. Click here if you’d like to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation so that you can finally shake your anxiety.

5 Simple ways to gain control of anxiety and fear

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Unstructured structure: How to plan the perfect(ish) day for kids during COVID-19

A few weeks ago, you were living the life. You had a job you commuted to, you would drive your kids to a school they loved, and the world seemed to be perfectly aligned.

But things just got real. 

You are now a homeschool parent, wondering when the kids will go back to school and where to send your resignation letter. You are not used to being home with your kids all day, but here you are. Even though you were not built for this life, all hope is not lost. You can do this.

Here is how to plan the perfect (ish) structured day for your kids during this social distancing era. It’s a lot easier than you think.

1. Start with bedtimes and meal times

Because this shelter in place order is so open ended, please do not forget that your kids still need schedules and routines. If you let them run wild, by the time life returns to normal, they will have to readjust to going to bed at a specific time. This adjustment will most definitely affect them when they have to go to school. So save yourself the hassle and keep things simple.

When creating a schedule, the first thing to plug in is what time you want your kids to wake up, what time you want them to go to bed, and what time you want to serve meals. Super simple.

Now of course, there is room for leeway, but stick to specific mealtimes and bedtimes so you can schedule everything else around that. If you already have these in place, now is the time to continue to enforce that. Kids need a lot more sleep than we think for their own development and health. Please don’t overlook this. Here are the sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Regarding meal times, when you feed kids around the same time each day, it just helps them have more predictability in their lives. They begin to get hungry around the same time each day and you have a better understanding of when to start getting meals ready. Your life as a parent is also a lot easier when you are able to predict how you want the day to unfold.

2. Schedule time for school work

Being that the entire world is struggling at this time, you’re now a homeschool parent and school work should be scheduled so that everyone is on the same page. The last thing you want is to be scrambling day after day. Block out specific times each day for learning. The easiest way to handle this is to lean on your kids’ teachers. Ask them for help so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Many teachers have created curricula for home. Just take that and plug it into a calendar.

Your child’s home school day doesn't have to be as long as the regular school day. Remember that learning doesn't just involve math and language arts. Kids can learn informally as they work with you at home. This is a great time to truly get to understand how your child learns, what his or her likes and dislikes are, and what makes him or her tick.

But be easy on yourself. If you imagine that you will be just as great as a teacher who has spent many years learning childhood education, honing the craft, and practicing with kids, please take the pressure off yourself. You are simply a substitute who is filling in for the teacher until your kids can return to school.

Decide the best timing for your child. Some people start school right after breakfast. Some start in the afternoon. Do what works for you. Fill in specific blocks of time when learning is supposed to happen. Depending on how old your child is, you can set aside 15 minute to 1-hour blocks for learning. Take into consideration your child’s attention span. Don’t expect a 5 year old so sit and work for 2 hours. It just won’t happen.

For example, you can spend 30 minutes on math, take a break in between, then move on to 30 minutes of art. Pick 2 or 3 activities per day, and voila! It’s done.

3. Schedule time for play

Play is a great part of learning. Think about this- even adults take regular breaks during the work day. Your kids need to do so too. Remember in step 2 above when I mentioned scheduling breaks in between? Now is where you decide what you want your kids to do during their breaks. The options are limitless. They can engage in free play (running around the place like kids do), imaginative play (using their imaginations), they can engage in crafts, art, they can draw, they can exercise with you, dance, learn a new language, learn how to type, or even sing. Whatever you decide is great, just make it fun.

Play is a great way to reduce boredom and engage your kids’ brains. And if you have teenagers, encourage them to begin a hobby within the home. Having them stare at a screen all day isn’t helpful. Perhaps they can begin a fun project. You can also encourage them to Facetime or video conference with their friends so that they still get human contact.

4. Schedule time for chores

Chores are another great way to teach kids. Chances are you’re going to be cleaning up around the home. Why not let the kids join you? One of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child is to teach him or her independence. Every child will one day grow up to become an adult, so wouldn't it be great if they learned valuable life skills?

Little kids would probably love being able to be your helpers. On your schedule, create a block of time for clean up. This would free up so much time for you and give your kids a great sense of independence. If your kids aren't used to doing chores, they might fight you when you start this, but as time goes on, everyone will settle in and get used to it. When everyone pitches in, parents are a lot less stressed.

5. Schedule family time

Another block of time can be set aside for the family to just unwind and have fun. Play some board games, talk to the kids, have a dance party, watch a movie, let loose and make the best of the situation. Although this COVID-19 pandemic was very unexpected, it can be a great time to bond with your kids. The goal is to have your kids relish this time they get to be with you.

Depending on how old your kids are, check in with them a few times a week to see how they are doing. Some kids will be totally unbothered by social distancing, and others will worry. Either way, it’s important that the kids know that you are there to protect them and validate their feelings.

And there you have it- the perfect (ish) unstructured schedule has blocks of time dedicated to work, blocks of time dedicated to play and blocks of time dedicated to family time. What does your perfect(ish) schedule look like?

If social distancing and spending time at home is bringing up feelings of anxiety or affecting your sleep, I am here to help. Like many therapists in Murrieta and Temecula, I am still providing therapy, but all services are being held online until social distancing guidelines have been relaxed. Don’t struggle alone. Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call.

If you are struggling with anxiety and you are sick of it, I’ve created a FREE guide to help you manage anxiety and fear in 5 easy steps.

5 simple ways to gain control of anxiety and fear.

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How to use your love language to strengthen your family relationships.

Relationships can be tricky. And when I say relationships, I don’t just mean romantic relationships. I’m talking about parent-child, friend-friend, brother-sister, aunty-niece, and every other type of relationship you can think of. It’s important that you know how your loved ones actually want to be loved. Anything short of that will feel to them like something is missing in your relationship.

What’s a love language?

And that’s where love languages come in. According to Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, each person has a specific way in which he or she prefers to give and/or receive love. This is called a love language. Gary Chapman states that there are 5 love languages, and that each love language can be used in the workplace, with our kids, partners and pretty much in every important relationship. To have a solid relationship, it is important that you know your partner or loved one’s love language so that you can show him or her love in a way that he or she can receive it. If you are loving them in a way that they cannot receive it, they will feel unappreciated, unseen or unheard. Typically, we show people love in the way that we like to receive it, but it’s important that we not only learn our own love language, but we learn how to speak our loved one’s love language.

To get these love languages right, it’s first important that you know what the 5 love languages are.

What are the 5 love languages?

1) Physical Touch: This one is quite easy to notice. If your loved one loves hugs, kisses, snuggles, cuddles and any other type of physical touch, then this is probably his or her primary love language.

What this looks like for children: You’ll notice this easily in little children. They’re the ones who love high fives, who hug you when you return from work in the evening, they’ll want to sit on your lap, hold your hand, snuggle in bed with you and have some sort of bodily contact with you. It makes them feel safe, protected and loved. If your child loves physical touch, make an effort to provides lots of hugs, kisses and high fives.

What this looks like in adults: Many women often roll their eyes when we talk about physical touch because they automatically assume that physical touch and sex are synonymous. The truth is, children who love physical touch grow up to be adults who love physical touch- that is unless their environment doesn’t endorse safe physical touch. So if your partner’s love language is physical touch, make an effort to hold his/her hand, give a kiss, a back rub, sit next to him/her on the couch, and use bodily warmth to be reassuring. If physical touch isn’t your thing, then it’ll definitely take an effort on your part, but it’ll help build your bond.

2) Acts of service: People who love acts of service are those who always seem to be volunteering for one mission or the other, they spend their time serving others in some way and they are always tryin to do nice things for others.

What this looks like for children: Kids who love acts of service are the ones who constantly ask you if they can help you, they volunteer to be the teacher’s helper at school, they are there to help their friends, and they take joy in using their time to be helpful to others. To keep the love alive, let them be your helper- no matter how young they are. They can help you with folding laundry, they can pass you the salt at the dining table, they can help younger ones with homework, and they most certainly can be the teacher’s helper at school.

What this looks like in adults: Adults who love acts of service are also always doing things for others. It might look like them offering to wash your car, offering to pick up something for you at the grocery store, fixing things around the house, and always being a helpful resource to others. To fill their love tanks, offer to also be helpful for them. Ask if you can work with them on a project, or be helpful in some way. If you’re handy, offer to fix something up for them. They’ll be sure to appreciate that.

3) Words of affirmation: If this is your love language, then it means that you are always talking to people about how much you love and appreciate them. You are the cheerleader of the family. You write kind notes, you tell people how much you appreciate them and you’re very verbal with your love.

What this looks like for children: These are the natural encouragers. They tell others “Good job!” or “You’ve got this!” They’re also the kids who tell you “I love you” over and over again.They are not shy to show you how much you mean to them. So then, you can strengthen your relationship by reciprocating this. When they do well, you should verbally tell them that you are proud of them. Also be vocal about your love for them. They need to hear it first in order to feel it.

What this looks like in adults: They are also encouragers. They’ll tell you how much they appreciate you, they’ll send you texts and emails about how glad they are about something you did. They’ll remind you of their love for you. All you have to do is simply listen to them, and you’ll surely hear the ways that they affirm you verbally. To show your love for them, do the same. Send texts about how much you appreciate and love them, and if you’re comfortable, tell them to their face as well. If this isn’t your love language, it might feel awkward to do this at first, but it really does help to strengthen your relationship.

4) Gifts: Some people feel loved when they are given tangible gifts. These gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. They simply like a physical token to remind them of your love for them.

What this looks like for children: These are the children who are always making something for you. They draw pictures, they make Lego statues, they make you a bracelet, or they simply sculpt something out of modeling clay. Please don’t throw these gifts away in front of your kids. Express your appreciation for them and display them on the fridge or somewhere public for a while, to show that you want to receive their love.

What this looks like in adults: These are the people who will buy or make you gifts. They might make a photo book, a scrap book or even buy you something expensive. This is simply their way of showing you that they love you. If you’re not someone who treasures gifts, it’ll be important to have a conversation about that with your partner about how to maneuver this situation- especially if they are in the habit of spending a lot of money on gifts.

5) Quality Time: This one is the most tasking love languages for some people as time is the only resource we feel like we need more of but we can’t get more of.

What this looks like for children: These are kids who want to sit by you, look you in the eyes when they are speaking and they want your undivided attention. As they get older, they’ll try to get your attention by following you around the house or just asking you to be with them. A quick tip for busy parents of kids who want quality time. Begin to include them in your day to day activities. They can sit with you as you fold laundry, you can have a conversation with them in the kitchen as you cook, you can take them with you to the grocery store. They don’t care where you are, they just want to see your face. If you’re away from home for an extended period of time, you can do a quick FaceTime call with them. Perhaps carve out a few minutes at the end of the day to just be with them and look them in the eyes the way that they want. Quality time doesn’t have to take a long time. It just has to feel like your attention is on them.

What this looks like in adults: These are people who want you to spend time with them. Put down your electronics and schedule a date with them. It doesn’t even have to be romantic or expensive. Go on a short walk together, watch TV together, listen to music together, cook together, run errands together. They’re happy if they are able to get your attention.

So, do you know what your love language is? Note that it’s possible to have multiple love languages or a primary and secondary love language. And if you’re struggling to connect with your partner or your kids, I offer family counseling in Murrieta to help families get back on the same page and begin to get along again. Call me on 951-905-3181 or email me here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I also offer individual counseling or therapy online throughout California.

How to teach your child important skills without having to pull out all your hair

Your wish for your child is that he becomes self disciplined, independent and he is able to follow rules so that he can become a successful, productive citizen. However, sometimes you feel extremely frustrated because you have to repeat instructions 700 times before he budges. Well, don't despair. It is possible to teach your child rules and give him self discipline without the feeling of daily frustration.

First of all, why is it important for a child to be self disciplined? Well it's simple. A self disciplined child is able to regulate his emotions better (not scream and shout when things don't go his way), he will be able to follow rules easier (when he's in school and the teacher says to complete 5 questions, he'll be able to do it) and honestly, he'll get along with the kids on the playground a lot better.

So are you ready to learn how to teach your child important skills like how to brush his teeth, tie his shoe laces, make his bed, etc?

1) Make sure the skills are age appropriate: Sometimes parents expect just too much from their kids. Only teach skills that a child can master at that age. Don't try to teach a 2 year old how to wash dishes or a 6 year old to mow the lawn. Sure there are some genius kids who can do it, but the average 6 year old just doesn't have that type of mastery. Before you get upset that your child isn't able to do something, first ask yourself if he is capable. Some children are also not as mature as their age mates. So try not to compare your child to others. Teach him skills that he is able to complete.

2) Make sure your directions are clear and simple: Parents are known for shouting out 17 instructions at once- "Go downstairs, get a cup of water, get your bag, grab your lunch, comb your hair, then wait for me to come downstairs." Woah!! Very few children (or adults) can remember 7 instructions at once. First, do not yell instructions from one room to the other. Talking through walls isn't very effective. Call your child into the room where you are, then only give him 1 or 2 instructions at once. Sometimes you can have him repeat the instructions to ensure that he heard and understood you. If your instructions are not clear or simple you're setting him up for failure and setting yourself up for frustration.

3) Watch your frustration level: When you're in a hurry or you're upset, that's the worst time to dish out instructions. You won't have time to explain clearly and your child will be stressed out. Also, if you're giving your child an instruction for a challenging task, chances are that he's going to need extra help. So don't set yourself up for failure. Only assign difficult tasks when you know you're going to have an extra minute to help him. Most kids cannot perform well under pressure. It's a simple fact. They'll get upset or have a meltdown.

4) Remove all distractions: Before giving out instructions, make sure the TV and video game console are off. There's no point competing with World of War Craft or Sponge Bob-don't try. First make sure your child isn't distracted, then give him 1 or 2 simple instructions. Sometime your child won't understand your instructions. Instead of yelling or getting frustrated, just repeat it in an easier format. Many parents will say things like "Why are you so distracted?" or "You just don't listen." But the problem is not the child, the problem is with the teacher. 

5) Use praise: After your child follows through, praise him. If you ask him to pass the salt and he does, say "Thank you." If he cleans up his room, give him a high five. These things not only build his self esteem, but they encourage him to continue to contribute to the household in a positive way. I know what you're about to say, "My mom never praised me for mowing the lawn. So I'm not going to praise my child." Well if you want a child with high self esteem and self discipline who has a strong, positive relationship with you, it'll only help to sow the seeds now.

6) Leave room for questions and errors: Many parents run their households like military installations. They don't leave any room for their kids to question them. It's okay if your child asks you why you use Windex on the glass instead of Mr. Clean or why you mow the lawn in a certain way. Children are curious. If you're not satisfying their curiosity at home, when they get older, they'll find other influences to give them the attention they need- and you won't like it.  Plus the truth is that no one wants to raise a zombie child who doesn't ask questions. No one wants their child to just obey without reasoning first. If you want an independent, smart child, leave room for questions and for errors. The best investors and the most successful CEOs are people who are constantly questioning the system. Also remember that your kids will make mistakes. You can either beat them down when they do or teach them resiliency. It's your choice.

And to learn more about Why do your kids behave the way they do? click the link to read another blog post.

What are some ways you teach your child simple instructions? If you're in the Murrieta or Temecula area and you'd like to learn more about ways to improve your relationship with your child, how to strengthen his/her self esteem, and how to manage misbehavior so that your home becomes a safe haven, call me on 951-905-3181 or email me here. We'll talk about my 8-week parenting support group. If you feel like it's a good fit for you, I'll put you on the waitlist. You too can have a peaceful home with self disciplined, happy kids. 

What does a parenting class look like?

So you've been searching for parenting classes or parent support classes in the Murrieta and Temecula area, but you have no clue what to expect. You haven't asked any of your friends or family members for help because you think they will judge you. In your mind you know you're a great parent and you don't want anyone to tell you otherwise. You want to learn some new tips on being a more effective parent, but you're not sure what a parenting class would look like. Would you have to hold hands with other parents? Will it be a group of moms who share woeful tales about their kids? Would it be a complain fest? What exactly should you expect?

Well I cannot speak for every parenting class out there, but I'll share the way I run mine. My parenting classes are always taught by me- I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Murrieta, CA. We meet once a week for 90 minutes over an 8 week period. Why 90 minutes? Because my goal is to pack you with useful information that will help you increase your confidence as a parent, help get your child on a good schedule, strengthen the bond between you and your child and understand why your child acts the way he or she does.

When you walk into the meeting room, you'll be greeted with some light refreshments. There'll also be a sign in sheet so I know you attended. You can sit wherever you want. During the first 2 meetings, I ask everyone to wear name tag. I also do the same because most people find it difficult to remember new people's names.

In the first class, we will all introduce each other and discuss why you all chose to attend the class. This is so that we all get a sense of togetherness. Usually this is when people talk about how uncomfortable they are to be in such a vulnerable space. You''ll find that others feel the same way. We will also come up with group agreements- these are do's and don'ts. So if there's anything that irks you, now will be the time to add it to our agreements. I always ask that we keep everyone's business in the room and that we also treat each other with kindness. Typically everyone agrees to these.

I'll give you a workbook that you get to keep. It's a pretty big book that you can look over whenever you have questions in the future. It's very detailed so by the end of 8 weeks you will have a very solid plan of action on how to parent your child. Please understand that parenting looks different in every household so I never tell you what to do with your child. It's your child- you know him or her better than anyone in the room. I'll also ask that you bring the workbook each week as we'll be working from it and you'll be filling it out.

During the group, we will all get to practice the skills I teach. The reason I do this is because sometimes when you're being lectured at, you can leave not actually knowing how to practice what you've just learned. But when you get to practice in class, it makes the concepts a lot clearer. After the 4th week, you will begin to actually practice the skills with your kids at home. So to be clear, your kids will not be attending class with you-this is a parents and guardians only class.

And if you’re not sure if a parenting class is right for you, read the blog post- Do you need a parenting class?

By the time you complete all 8 weeks of the class, you'll be a more confident parent, you'll learn about the developmental and emotional needs of your child, you'll be able to set proper rules and boundaries for your child, and you will instinctively know what works for your family. Now I never actually tell you what to do. Because you are the parent- you know your child better than anyone else. I'm just here as your guide, helping you pool whichever tools you think are right for you.

So if you are in the Murrieta/Temecula area and you think that a parenting class might be the right fit for you, go ahead and call me on 951-905-3181. We will talk about your needs and get you signed right up. Parenting can be a lot more streamlined. Or you can also email me here. Don't delay, spots fill up fast and a new class will start soon.

Do you need a parenting class?

Being a parent is hard-but I bet I don't have to tell you that. Kids are so cute and cuddly, but after a while they begin to drive you nuts. They never seem to listen to what you have to say, they throw tantrums all the time, they sometimes don't want to follow a convenient schedule and sometimes, all you want to do is scream at them.

There is a myth out there that mothers are supposed to intuitively know how to take care of their kids. When the baby cries, you're supposed to know why she's crying and you're supposed to be able to fix it immediately. And when you're in public and she throws herself on the floor in the middle of the Murrieta Target? Well everyone immediately stares at you like you're a horrible person. The feeling of shame suddenly overwhelms you and you either leave the store quickly or give her the candy she's begging for. You begin to judge yourself and wonder if you're cut out for this parenting gig.

And as she gets older, she'll start talking back and it sure won't be pretty. You wonder what you'll do then. In your heart, you just want to raise a child who has structure, who is self disciplined and who listens to you from time to time. You know your daughter isn't perfect, but you want her to not give you headaches. You don't want to be screaming at her or spanking her like your mom or grandma did. You dream of going with her to the nail salon and having girl time when she's all grown up. But the problem is you don't know how to get from point A to point B- from strong willed toddler to happy teenager.

Some people think that parenting classes or parent support groups are only for moms with CPS cases. Or that these groups are for moms who use substances or who abuse their children. Well this is quite false. A parenting class is simply an avenue where parents (yes, dads too) or caregivers (and grandmas are welcome as well) go to learn more about their goals for their kids, their family values, how to instill self discipline in their kids and how to help children to be assertive, while still knowing how to follow rules. It's not a group for mom shaming or a group where you learn that you're bad. Actually, in my group, my goal is to help you understand your child so well that at the end of the class you'll be pretty confident as a parent.

So if you're a parent who loves your child, wants her to accomplish great success in the future, wants her to learn empathy, wants her to learn independence, wants her to learn how to share and play well with others, and wants to know how to strengthen your parent-child bond, then a parenting class is just for you.

Let's face it- there is no such thing as a parent who knows it all, so why not spend some time learning about the developmental needs of your child and how to strengthen your relationship with her so that she wouldn't have to throw herself on the floor of Target in order to communicate her needs with you.

If you're interested in enrolling in my 8 week Toddlers to Tweens class, you can call me on 951-905-3181 or you can email me here. We'll talk about if the class is a great fit for you, what goals you're looking to accomplish and how you can become a much more confident parent. Remember, parenting is hard, but it doesn't have to be totally painful. With some new tools in hand, you can learn how to make your journey a lot smoother. Call today-don't be shy.