Birthday Girl

September 22, 2010

My 3-year-old girl and her new birthday umbrella. Perfect for a rainy September birthday. Tweet

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Mom Tip Monday: 3 Alternatives to Offering Rewards

September 20, 2010
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To say rewards are strongly discouraged in Positive Discipline would be an understatement. Rewards may be effective, but they’re very dangerous. In fact, they’re really just a form of manipulation, which is disrespectful to kids. Rewards teach kids to seek external validation for behaviors. Children are learning to do something or behave a certain way […]

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Birthday Reflections

September 16, 2010

Today marks the first day of the last year of my 30s. Sometimes on my birthday I look back at all the years stacking up behind me, reflecting on the good and bad. For kicks, sometimes I’ll remember birthdays past, where I was, what I was doing. Once, when I turned 32, I thought about […]

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Swimming Lessons

September 15, 2010

Today my Sweetness took her first swimming lesson since she was a baby, when we took a couple of baby and me lessons. It was the first time she was in the pool without Mommy or Daddy, and she did amazing. The rambunctious boys who were jumping and splashing most of the time actually freaked […]

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Mom Tip Monday – Rest Time for Non-Nappers

September 13, 2010
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Today I’m unveiling a new addition to Heligirl – Mom Tip Monday. I’ve received so much feedback these past few months in response to my periodic positive parenting articles, I’ve decided to make them a little more regular and predictable for everyone. So from now on, every Monday here on Heligirl you’ll find an article, […]

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Confession: I Need a New Plan

September 11, 2010

I feel like there isn’t enough time in the day and despite my every effort to keep up with family, work and the daily chores, I’m forever feeling I’m behind and my energy level is in the pits. As a result I start to talk down to myself and eventually feel inadequate and slightly depressed. […]

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My Dream Girl

September 8, 2010

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted a little girl of my own. I even chose her name when I was 12. It took me a little longer than I’d hoped, but I got her. I love this shot, taken last weekend at the zoo’s merry-go-round. We had a great day together. Tweet

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How to Empower Your Kids with Life Skills

September 7, 2010

When we empower our children, they develop the skills they need to have power over their own lives. In the short term empowerment plants the seeds for developing an “I can do it” attitude. In the long term, empowerment helps children become capable and develop high self esteem in their teen and adult lives. Teaching […]

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