Peaceful Parenting: Truths and Misconceptions

happy family sitting together in a field

Like many parents, having a child was life changing for me, and I aspired to use a peaceful parenting approach. I felt deeply blessed and wanted to honor that by connecting with my child and preventing emotionally wounding him. I had my own childhood wounds, and I was determined to have a close relationship with …

Read more

What to Say to Your Kids to Build Empathy and Confidence

colleen adrian connected parenting

Many of the words that were considered acceptable for describing kids’ behavior in the 1970s and ’80s are now recognized as judgmental or damaging to self-esteem. They teach our kids to be hard on themselves and cause anxiety rather than confidence.  If we want to raise empathetic kids who remain open-hearted, we need to be …

Read more

Raise a Confident Child: Prevent Shame When They Make Mistakes 

2 teens laughing together

Parents often want to know how they can raise a confident child who has a healthy self-esteem and self-worth, and prevent toxic shame. For instance, “When my child makes a mistake, how can I help them stay self-confident rather than feeling ashamed? How can I ensure they’re feeling *guilt* rather than *shame*–so that I can …

Read more

Feel Confident in Your Connected Parenting–Even when your child is misbehaving

Family walking together in a wide open field

If you’re wondering if you’re failing because your child’s behavior isn’t what you’ve been aiming for, and you’ve been learning to use a connected parenting approach but you think maybe it’s not “working”–how can you feel confident in your connected parenting and know that you’re doing a good job? And how can you feel reassured …

Read more

Holiday Season: Less Stress, More Connection and Nostalgia

children adding ornaments to Christmas tree

The holiday season brings mixed feelings for many, especially Moms who often carry the brunt of the workload for creating a wonderful or magical experience for others. I thought I’d share a few things that I’m either doing this Christmas, or have done over the years, to create a little less stress and more connection …

Read more

Am I a Bad Parent? How to Let Go of Parenting Guilt

Parents who are committed to being the best parent they can be are often also hard on themselves and find it difficult to let go of parenting guilt. However, self-judgment or guilt never help us to be our best. Here’s a different approach to take in your parenting practice that can help you become the …

Read more

How to Avoid Undermining Your Parenting Partner

Parents of sensitive spirited kids who want to avoid undermining your parenting partner—As you’re learning to use a connected parenting approach, but maybe your co-parent or partner wants to focus more on behavior or rewards/consequences and feels undermined when you use a connecting approach ➡️ I’ve got connected strategies for you! ✨✨❣️❣️ 🔥 Here are …

Read more

How to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves

boy hugging dog

It’s heartbreaking to watch kids who are too hard on themselves. Maybe your child compares themselves to others and feels they’re not good enough in some way (e.g., “I hate my curly hair!”, “I’m stupid”, “I’m terrible at math” or “nobody likes me”). Or perhaps they’re so anxious about performing poorly that they won’t try …

Read more