MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER
Quote of the month
“What do we say to a guest who forgets her umbrella? Do we run after her and say “What is the matter with you? Every time you come to visit you forget something. If it’s not one thing it’s another. Why can’t you be like your sister? When she comes to visit, she knows how to behave. You’re forty-four years old! Will you never learn? I’m not a slave to pick up after you! I bet you’d forget your head if it weren’t attached to your shoulders.” That’s not what we say to a guest. We say “Here’s your umbrella, Alice,” without adding “scatterbrain.” Parents need to learn to respond to their children as they do to guests.”
― Haim G. Ginott, Between Parent and Child
As we head into the last month of spring and the school year comes to a close for many children, I want to send a friendly reminder that upcoming transitions can be a tough time for kids even though, for us, this time can mean a myriad of exciting events: summer break, vacations, warmer weather, beach trips, etc. Yet, for little ones, it could mark the end of a chapter, such as saying goodbye to teachers or friends, changing the daily routine, or moving to new places. Because of this, you might see some changes in their behavior, like not listening to your directions or testing limits, or changes in their personal care routines, such as not sleeping well, eating less, or regressing in toilet learning.
A good place to start during upcoming transitions is to remember that despite all the change, your child feels safe and builds resiliency when they can rely on your consistent discipline, understanding, and connection. You’re not in control of your child’s feelings, but you are in control of YOUR own thoughts and actions, which can help to support, regulate, and empower your child. Schedule in times to slow down with them, provide undivided attention, and doing something together that you both enjoy.
If you find during this time that you are over-negotiating or over-explaining to your child, and you are losing confidence and effectiveness in your discipline, check out my latest videos on my parenting channel, Reflective Parenting with Clarice, on YouTube: “What’s Stopping You from Disciplining Your Kids Effectively?” and “When Validating Feelings Backfire (What to Do Instead)”.
When you have a better understanding of your child’s development and are mindful of your parenting habits, you become capable of applying strategies that ultimately work for your child, not only during transitions, but for the long term.
Product Highlight
I always look for books that can open up a discussion with young children. It’s a great way to gain insight into their thoughts and refine skills. Recently, I added “That Is My Truck” to our home library. It’s a story of a young boy who walks into the room to find his sister playing with his favorite fire truck. He experiences a range of intense feelings and hits his sister. Their mother intervenes. I appreciate how this book exemplifies what developmentally-appropriate discipline looks like from parent to child using respect and open communication. It shows children that their emotions are mentionable, their mistakes don’t mean they’re a “bad kid”, and there are ways to cope in a healthy way.
Latest videos
Need an idea for a family outing?
Last year, the kids and I met up with a group of our friends at the Great Big Family Play Day at the Autry Museum. There were musicians and performances on stage that were geared for children, food trucks, bouncy houses and slides, booths for table activities, and promotions/samples of products for children and parents. There was also a bubble show! You can see in the pictures the kids really enjoyed themselves. I thought it was well-organized, and you also get access to the Autry Museum with your event ticket which was a nice bonus. This weekend, May 3 – 4, the Great Big Family Play Day returns at the Autry Museum. You can sign up and pay in advance online, and tickets for activities and rides can be purchased inside the event.
A few tips if you do attend:
There’s limited seating during the performances so bring a picnic blanket just in case. You can bring snacks and drinks for your family if you don’t want to buy food at the event.
Bring a towel and extra clothes/shoes for your child. They get super wet at the bubble show!
Bring slip-on shoes for your child. The inflatable rides have a “no-shoe policy” and it’s easier for your child (and you!) when they can easily shift in and out of the activity.
