In an era where helicopter parents have become the acceptable norm, free range parents are often looked up with judgement. Some are made to feel as if they’re raising feral children, some are approached by law enforcement, and some are simply shamed on the internet (because, after all, the world wide web is where everyone goes to tattle). But, is free range parenting deserving of its reputation? Or could it be that it comes with pros and cons? Ya know, like pretty much everything else in life. Read more [...]Free Range Parenting: Pros & Cons
In an era where helicopter parents have become the acceptable norm, free range parents are often looked up with judgement. Some are made to feel as if they’re raising feral children, some are approached by law enforcement, and some are simply shamed on the internet (because, after all, the world wide web is where everyone goes to tattle). But, is free range parenting deserving of its reputation? Or could it be that it comes with pros and cons? Ya know, like pretty much everything else in life. Read more [...]
You’ve heard all of the buzzwords on parenting styles. There are helicopters, tigers and hippos. Some parents unparent, others choose to follow French mama’s and papa’s and let’s not leave out the free rangers. But, when it comes to what the real research says, you’ll find four major parenting styles. 
Parenting a strong-willed child is challenging; it’s like owning a dog that keeps on growling, a cat that keeps on scratching, or a parrot that only knows cuss words (and utters them every time your pastor visits). Parenthood is hard enough without a child who’s so stubborn they make donkeys seem agreeable. Thus, how do you deal with the power struggle? Wine helps, but so does the following: 
We all want our kids to achieve certain goals in life: be good, be kind, be quiet. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that our children will grow into successful adults (and, sadly, no way to get our money back if they don’t). Still, there are specific tricks parents do that provide children with the best chance at full-filling, productive lives. 
Crackers in your hair. Marker on your face. So many bags underneath your eyes you look like a luggage carousel. Congratulations! You’re a parent. Now, take a cue from your baby and grab your own bottle…of wine. Fill up your carafe (Mommy and Daddy’s sippy-cup) and drink in the following parenting tips: 
Childhood isn’t a race, and it’s not a contest either. Instead of focusing on winning, aren’t there other lessons that we need to teach our children? 
Neglect. It’s not a word that would ever describe your parenting style. Right? So, how could you ever be part of the dangerous trend in parenting that has to do with neglect? 
Some of us hate baby talk, others of us think it’s cute. Whether you love it or hate it, baby talk isn’t void of controversy. Thus, as a parent, you have to make the choice: should you converse with your child as if you’re Tweety Bird or should you converse with them as if you’re human?