Positive Parenting: Fostering Respectful Language in Children

Positive Parenting: Fostering Respectful Language in Children

Children may not realize the power of their words, but they can cause long-lasting damage. Unkind words can lead to feelings of hurt, insecurity, and anger. Refusing to let our children's words disrupt our family harmony is essential…

Sibling Rivalry: Tips, Strategies, and Solutions for Parents

Sibling Rivalry: Tips, Strategies, and Solutions for Parents

We've all been there! The kids are playing nicely together, and suddenly, you hear, "Give it to me!" Both children want the same toy. The tug of war begins, and the kids get…

Teach Kids How To Politely Interrupt

Teach Kids How To Politely Interrupt

When kids want their Mom's attention, the typical scenario looks like this:

A child comes barreling into the room with a barrage of "Mom, Mom, Mama, Ma, Mommy!!!"

Either you didn't respond fast enough, or you're busy doing something and not giving immediate focus to the sweet face beckoning for your attention. Sound familiar?

Principles of Parenting That are Important at Every Age

Principles of Parenting That are Important at Every Age

Got parenting questions? Every phase of parenting brings its own set of challenges and surprises. Still, there are parenting principles that remain the same no matter what your family’s circumstances are and at any stage of the game.

Understanding these principles will help you set your children up to grow into happy, responsible, and resilient adults.

Genius Small Apartment Hacks for New Parents

Genius Small Apartment Hacks for New Parents

Short on Space? Experts Reveal Simple, but Genius Small Apartment Hacks for New Parents

Although they may be small, baby gear – diapers, bottles, cribs, and other baby necessities – can take up a significant amount of space.

While some families may decide to upsize to a bigger home, that route may not be available for everyone. Luckily, with some clever maneuvering and storage ideas, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your small space.

Whether you’re renting an apartment in New York or are looking for ways to revamp a small bedroom into a stylish nursery in your Portland rental, we’ve got you covered.

We reached out to experts for their best small apartment hacks to optimize your space so you can make room for your new bundle of joy.

Check out these simple but genius ideas to help you prepare for your new adventure.

Simple Self-Care Strategies for Children (and Parents)

Simple Self-Care Strategies for Children (and Parents)

Never has there been a more critical time in our world for children to practice self-care. By doing activities that help them to slow down, relax, and boost their health, children can become more aware of their physical and emotional needs. In doing so, they can position themselves to learn more effectively and prepare for potential stressors that lie ahead.

The importance of honesty for a strong connection with your child

The importance of honesty for a strong connection with your child

For your child to trust themselves and grow up healthy and happy, honesty should be of utmost importance. They need honesty about everything, from how the world works around them down to what you're doing wrong as a parent…

Thrive as a Mom and Remote Working Professional With These Expert Tips

Caring for your baby or toddler while working from home? Taking on both of these responsibilities at the same time requires an immense amount of organization, patience, and hard work. On your best days, it may feel as though you’ve achieved superhero status due to the sheer number of tasks you completed. On your worst days, you may feel like a failure as both a parent and as a business owner or employee.

 

Now is the time to stop being hard on yourself. Recognize that being a parent of a little one and a working professional is no easy feat. To help you move from survival mode to thriving, use these valuable tips from Mothers In Training.

 

Plan your week in advance

Do your days often feel like they are happening to you — rather than you “happening” to your days? Not having a plan in place for your week is often the culprit. There will always be unexpected things that pop up, especially when you are the mom of a baby or toddler. However, planning each day of your week in advance can give you far more control than planning the day or night before. Have the expectation that, although you’ve set a schedule, you will likely need to make last-minute changes. Sicknesses, injuries, impromptu meetings, and other challenges can spring up at a moment’s notice. Thankfully, when you have a template for each day and a plan for the unexpected you can feel much more balanced and in control.

 

Dress for comfort and style

Working remotely means that you never have to dress up or put makeup on. At first, this can feel like a freeing privilege. When you’re a mom, wearing comfy and practical clothing can be even more tempting. After a time, however, “going” to work in your pajamas or loungewear can reduce your productivity and self-confidence.

 

Prevent getting into a work and confidence slump by dressing for comfort and style. Wearing clothing that looks good and that is comfortable and professional can help you feel better about yourself. This approach to style can also improve your focus. Upgrade your wardrobe by purchasing new tank tops, a cozy pair of leggings, and anything else that makes you feel amazing.

 

Never be ashamed to ask for help

Moms should never feel like they have to take on everything by themselves. Balancing work and parenting is an incredibly difficult thing to do. Expecting that you should be able to handle all related duties while also taking care of yourself, cooking, cleaning, and handling other day-to-day errands is unrealistic.

 

When you need help with anything, don’t be ashamed to ask for assistance! From babysitting to cleaning services to outsourcing business tasks, there are professionals who can help you balance your life.

 

Ramp up your self-care routine

Although it may sound counterintuitive, now is also a great time to ramp up your self-care routine. Too frequently, moms of little ones save time by cutting self-care time first. Instead of delegating duties to a partner or professional, mothers typically sacrifice their own well-being to serve others and their children.

 

This approach is a quick way to experience symptoms of burnout. You cannot be the best mom, business owner, or employee if you are always pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion. Adding little extras to your self-care routine — such as 10 minutes of reading, a face mask, or 5 minutes of meditation — can do wonders.

 

Work with a parenting coach

An emerging trend among moms with toddlers is to work with a parenting coach. For those who are unfamiliar with this service, a parenting coach (like those at Mothers In Training) provides gentle parenting solutions that help form a calm and connected bond. If your child frequently argues, whines, or throws tantrums, connecting with one of our experienced professionals can help restore balance and calm in your home.

 

As you begin to practice these strategies, be patient and graceful with yourself. Implementing habits like these is not possible overnight. Rather, with consistency and repetition, you can achieve a work-life balance that works for you.

 

Mothers In Training provides expert parent coaching services that seek to build a calm and gentle connection between parents and their children. Learn more about our services and check out client testimonials today.

 

Joyce Wilson

Guest Blogger

 

5 Ways to Create A Happy Home Vibe For Your Kids

5 Ways to Create A Happy Home Vibe For Your Kids

With the hectic schedules and craziness of life, it can be hard to have a happy home. But there are simple strategies that you'll find in this post to make your house feel like an oasis for your kids. Soothing their five senses will calm nerves and create a happy…