by Cecilia Hilkey | empathy, parenting
We’re going to tell you a quick story about our days as classroom teachers to illustrate something about human nature and parenting. It’ll all make sense in a second. We promise. Each fall, when Jason and I were preschool teachers we got new students in our classroom....read more
by Cecilia Hilkey | empathy, parenting
During a Q and A call recently a mom–of a 3 and a 1-year-old–asked us a question… She said… “I get so mad at my daughter. I know she’s just being a 3-year-old kid but I can’t stop myself and when I reprimand her I sound like my mother. Today my daughter was crying,...read more
by Cecilia Hilkey | empathy, parenting, tools
If you’re like me, when you’re in a “good place” you just don’t get triggered easily. As humans, if we’re not stressed or tired, things just don’t bother us that much. You can probably tolerate just about anything when you’ve had a full night of sleep, eaten, and...read more
by Cecilia Hilkey | empathy, parenting
A mom of an 8-year-old asked us this… “I don't know what the deal is lately, but I feel like I'm dealing with a teenager. When I try to help her with calming, or offer validation/empathy or suggestions for strategies when she's feeling those big feelings, it may...read more
by Cecilia Hilkey | conflict, empathy, parenting
Recently we got an email from a parent who asked…. How do I respond with empathy when my child doesn’t do what I asked unless I get mad, answers me rudely by saying, “Fine!”, or is so angry that he puts his fists up to my face? As a compassionate parent, there are 3...read more
by Cecilia Hilkey | empathy, parenting
Last time we talked about how lying was an important developmental sign for children. (If you missed Part 1 about lying and brain development you can read it here.) While it’s reassuring to know that lying is a part of development, you may still be left with the...read more
