Simple Families Podcast: Parenting | Simple Living | Minimalism | Purposeful Life With Kids + Family

In this episode I answer a question from a mother about her child that is shy and slow to warm up. I discuss ways to support and encourage her. The post SFP 18: How Should I Handle My Shy Child? appeared first on Simple Families.

In this episode we talk about making the difficult transition to daycare as a toddler. I discuss why it is so difficult for kids to separate and give (a strange) analogy. The post SFP 17: Am I Traumatizing My Kid When I Leave Him at Daycare? appeared first on Simple Families.

It seems like kids are starting school earlier and earlier. In today’s episode, I will be discussing how to decide on the best age for a child to start preschool. Highlights: Preschool vs. Daycare–what’s the difference? What type of curriculum and education does a baby/young toddler need? What’s the best age to start school? Show Notes/Links: How to Choose a Preschool The post SFP 16 : What Age Should Kids Start Preschool? appeared first on Simple Families.

The kids of today need minimalism. In this episode I am sharing with you some of the benefits of minimalism with kids and family. Highlights: What is minimalism? Four benefits for our children. Show Notes/Links Does your Kids Have Shiny Object Syndrome Why Kids Need Fewer Toys Research: Children learn better in simple, clean spaces Research: Clutter increases stress The post SFP 15: How Will My Kids Benefit from Minimalism? appeared first on Simple Families.

Kids shouldn’t be playing with their food. That means making a mess should be the exception, not the expectation. In this episode I will discuss how to handle throwing and playing with food at mealtime. Highlights: Understand the motive Control of Error The Food Time-Out Show Notes/Links: How to Get Kids to Stop Throwing and Playing at Meal Time One Simple Tip to Get Kids to Eat Better (Why we don’t talk likes/dislikes) Episode 05: How I Feed My Kids The post SFP 14 : How Do I Put an End to Food Throwing? appeared first on Simple Families.

It can be hard to get kids to go to bed. In today’s episode, I am answering a question about how to get a child to go to bed (and stay in bed). Highlights: Bring the positive energy. Pattern your days for success. Get kids to stay in bed The post SFP 13 : How Can I Get My Kid to Go to Bed? appeared first on Simple Families.

Sharing is hard. In this episode, I am explaining why sharing can be such a struggle for young kids. I will also introduce the strategy that we use at home to handle sharing easily and effectively. Highlights Why it’s so hard for kids to share Walk a mile in their shoes The Method: How do handle it at home Show Notes/Links Teach Your Kids to Share Without Losing Your Mind The post SFP 12 : How Do I Teach My Kid To Share? appeared first on Simple Families.

Our kid’s behavior can be frustrating–particularly when they won’t “stop” when we ask them to stop. Today we are talking about why it’s so hard to get kids to “knock it off” and how we can handle these situations with success. Highlights A new lens to view behavior Inertia–and how it applies to kid behavior An easy, effective strategy for improving behavior Show Notes/Links Why My Kid Doesn’t Listen to Me (Get the Mini Course on Cooperation) The post SFP 11 : How Do I Stop My Kid From Misbehaving? appeared first on Simple Families.

I got rid of my oversized wardrobe in favor of creating a tiny collection of clothing articles that I really love. This has been an amazing change in my life. In this episode, I will share with you how I got started and some of my favorite things. The Highlights Why I made the switch to a small wardrobe How to get started Favorite pieces that I am wearing right now Show Notes and Links Why I Got Rid of My Wardrobe (The story of how I got started) Pick a Wardrobe Color Palette The Perfect Sweater My favorite tunic (aff. link) My favorite chambray shirt (aff. link) Do you have a question for the show? Ask it here.  The post SFP 10 : How Do I Get Started With a Small Wardrobe? appeared first on Simple Families.

Getting our kids to cooperate with everyday tasks can seem impossible. Brush your teeth, take a bath, put your shoes on…even the simple things can be a struggle with young children. In this episode I am going to explain why cooperation is so difficult. The best part–there is an easy trick to get immediate results with your kids. The Highlights Why is cooperation such a struggle? Why you can’t “threaten” a kid into cooperation (and why you are probably doing this–even if you don’t realize it) A quick trick that works magic to get kids to cooperate Show Notes and Links How to Really Tick Off a Toddler Why My Kids Doesn’t Listen to Me SFP 08: Why Time-Out Isn’t Working Do you have a question for the show? Ask it here.  The post SFP 09 : How Do I Get My Kids To Cooperate? appeared first on Simple Families.

Nearly all parents resort to using “time-out” with their kids at some point. But the problem is it rarely works. In this episode I explain how to use time-out correctly and why I don’t really use it much myself. The Highlights What exactly is “time-out” Why I don’t really like it or use it myself If you are going to use it–how to do it correctly Show Notes and Links The Bad Behavior I am Ignoring (why ignoring behavior can be an effective way of giving “time-out”) How to Really Tick Off a Toddler Why My Kids Doesn’t Listen to Me Do you have a question for the show? Ask it here.  The post SFP 08 : Why Isn’t Time-Out Working? appeared first on Simple Families.

The first year of feeding solid foods to babies is incredibly important. In this episode, I am giving you tips to get started the best way possible. The Highlights How to introduce tastes How to introduce textures The importance of positive talk Show Notes and Links Getting Started With Baby-Led Weaning Mastering the Dinnertime Hustle One Simple Tip to Get Your Kids to Eat Better Do you have a question for the show? Ask it here.  The post SFP 07 : What Is the Best Way to Start Solid Food with Babies? appeared first on Simple Families.

In this episode I am answering the question, “how much do you play with your kids?”. I don’t actually play with my kids very much and I am going to give you an explanation of why. The Highlights What quality time looks like in our house. How I facilitate play without playing myself. When I am playing with my kids, what is my role? Show Notes and Links Catherine Wallace Quote From This Episode Why I Don’t Do Pinterest-Worthy Activities with My Kids Do you have a question for the show? Ask it here.  The post SFP 06 : How Much Do You Play With Your Kids? appeared first on Simple Families.