parenting

You've probably read parenting books, consulted experts and already formed strong opinions about what's best for your kid. But have you ever stopped and consulted your child about her own upbringing?

My daughter is 2, and she's a beautiful and incredible spirit. I admire her ability to scream her needs to me and throw food on the floor, like a spoiled queen, when she doesn’t like it. Just today I gave her a plate of chickpeas and (to my shame) a carrot, broccoli, and celery were mixed in with it. When seeing them, she picked them out, one at a time, and threw them on the floor while saying, “Ew! Ew! Ew!” It’s my goal, as her mother, to guide her into civilized behavior while doing my best not to squash her spirited nature.

Your happy, united family suddenly shifts to you versus your tired and hungry preschooler, frustrated elementary kid who isn’t getting what she wants, or worse — a snarling, seething, moody, hate-mongering…TEENAGER!

As if parenting wasn't challenging enough, sometimes you actually have to talk to your children. Not only do you have to speak with them, but you want to do it in a way that will have positive and lasting results.

As a mom I've had days of frustration and annoyance. Some days it can be really hard to be a parent. Since my daughter is 2, any situation at any time can go from joyful to stressful (and sometimes dangerous) in a heartbeat.

When I’m staring at the wall trying to keep my cool when my 6-year-old is hysterical about the tiny bump on his finger, I attempt to channel some of the good parts.

Before you had kids you were all, "I am going to be SUCH a good parent. I am never going to do what my parents did. Never. TV destroys the developing brain. There will be none of that nonsense."

Welcome to Motherhood —The land of never feeling like you’re doing enough.