Parenting, Practical Tips, School & Education
Loyla Louvis
The Importance of Learning Outside of the ...

You remember school, right? The chalky dust of the blackboard, the hypnotic drone of a lecture, and, for some, the sneaky naps behind open textbooks. But let's get real. As foundational as classroom learning is, some of the juiciest…

The Importance of Learning Outside of the Classroom
Loyla Louvis
What To Do When Your Child Wants A Pet

Taking care of another living being isn’t a joke, it's a big deal. Kids need to be in it for real, making sure they do it right and don't take it lightly. It's all about teaching them to be responsible, to handle their commitments, and to give their all.

What To Do When Your Child Wants A Pet
New Mom, Parenting Solutions, Practical Tips
Loyla Louvis
Thriving In The Adventure Of Toddlerhood: Top ...

Being a first-time mother to a toddler is an exciting, beautiful, and often slightly daunting adventure. Here, we explore the tips and tricks that will help you navigate this fantastic phase of your child's development.

Thriving In The Adventure Of Toddlerhood: Top Tips For First-Time Moms
Parenting, Positive Parenting, Communication, Reduce Childhood Stress
Loyla Louvis
Trauma Bonding: The Mistakes Parents Are Making

Do you end up yelling at your kiddo to feel heard? We’ve all done it because…well, it works! It gets the cooperation in the moment but long term, it's not effective for the relationship.

If you’ve never heard of “Trauma Bonding,” you’re not alone.

…but if you’ve got a strong-willed child, more than likely, trauma bonding should be on your radar!

Trauma Bonding: The Mistakes Parents Are Making
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Teach Kids The Right Way To Apologize

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Teach Kids The Right Way To Apologize

THE TRICKY THING ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS is that we often hurt the ones we love. The problem is that humanity is a bit broken, and that means we have sharp edges.  History has proven we don’t get through life without, unfortunately, offending others unintentionally or otherwise.  The closer our contact, the more painful the experience as jagged edges of brokenness scratch and poke at the soft pink underbellies of those we cherish.  

It’s like trying to hug a porcupine.  Think of all those pointy quills! But if porcupines can reproduce without killing each other or swearing off mating season, we can certainly learn how to navigate the sharp-edged brokenness associated with the human condition.  Regardless of the dangers, we were created for connection.  Our families won’t thrive without it.

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Love and Divorce

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Love and Divorce

WHEN THE STINGING THREAT OF DIVORCE becomes a harsh reality, the sacred terrain of marriage can freeze over into an icy battleground of pain and confusion.

Everything dedicated, worked for and believed in stares back with little to no recognition. Untold truths spill out, stripping away every illusion and expose an ugliness which cannot be unseen. The torrent of emotions which deluge mind and soul can sometimes feel like suffocation.

For the child who must cope with this crisis, divorce is worse than death. When goodbyes are said at the grave, he or she lives with the memory of someone who can no longer engage in the physical realm of our lives. But in the crossfires of divorce, while mom and dad are saying farewell to matrimony, the child’s greatest need is to…

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Communication for Cooperation

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Communication for Cooperation

A well-intentioned mother speaks words of wise instruction expecting to be heard, acknowledged, and met with cooperation. When the only response from those she cares most about is a meaningless glance or flippant nod, it’s easy to understand why Mom might resort to modes of communication which are later regretted or that poorly display the dignity she desires to reflect.

A mile-long list of responsibilities, chores, and concerns weigh heavily on her mind, and so it’s no wonder…

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Embracing a New Parenting Chapter

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Embracing a New Parenting Chapter

Sparkling champagne, songs of celebration, and the crystal-laden globe of New Year’s Eve festivities usher in a fresh year filled with hope and dreams. A clean, white slate invites each of us to author a new chapter in our parenting story where wrongs are made right, chaos is conquered, and life’s challenges feel a bit more surmountable.

The past serves as a brilliant teacher, enlightening us with new insights regarding old attitudes, mindsets, and perspectives. The desire to avoid repeating the mistakes of yesterday is a legitimate reason to pause and reflect, motivated by the resolve to do better in the days to come.

As you take a deep, cleansing breath and courageously script the next chapter of motherhood, determine to make this one a high point in the parenting journey. With the heartfelt longing of any mother to improve relationships and build stronger bonds, let’s consider ways in which you might step out of yesteryear and seize the opportunities which exist in the year ahead:

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Sleep: The Undervalued Commodity

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Sleep: The Undervalued Commodity

The marching orders dutifully delivered to every mother as she steps out of the hospital and into the exciting world of motherhood is “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” What she’s not told is how to get the laundry done, the beds made, the kitchen swept or even how to take a shower while her little one is wide awake and crying for any number of reasons.

When the choices have to be made between getting the laundry done or taking a nap, for those of us who’ve put our family’s needs ahead of our own, it’s usually our sleep that’s going to be sacrificed. It’s expendable, and we can live without it, we tell ourselves. It comes so naturally to convince ourselves we’ll catch up eventually, or maybe just learn to live without it. Delirium can make you believe anything.

Communication for Mutual Respect

Communication for Mutual Respect

Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, and the parent-child dynamic is no exception. As a parent, we want to nurture an environment where kids not only listen but also respect what you have to say.

Here are practical tips to help you navigate the art of speaking so your child respects you…

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What To Do When Strong-willed Kids Test Boundaries

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What To Do When Strong-willed Kids Test Boundaries

It all starts the day we bring our little bundle of life home from the hospital. At the start of the journey, we hold that fragile little person in our arms and wonder if we have what it takes to be a parent. Every little decision we make sets the stage for that day or week, or even that year. It’s scary and exhilarating to have so much power and control. It’s an overwhelming privilege and responsibility that goes unprotested for about 18 months. Of course, there are the battles over eating, sleeping, and changing diapers that must be dealt with early on, but a new piece of the puzzle comes to the table around 18 months or so and adds a challenge we may not have been prepared for. Independence!

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While the Clay is Wet...

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While the Clay is Wet...

How much time do you have to influence your child? This isn't a question any new parent takes the time to think about, generally speaking. I'm not sure many seasoned parents take the time to consider this question either, but it's an extremely important one though.  As the adage goes: "The days are  long, but the years are short."  Time is definitely a commodity, a precious resource, and what you do with it will determine your quality of life at home.

From Chaos to Calm: 10 Secrets for a Peaceful & Happy Family

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