word cloud of top 2016 posts
Whether we were learning to calm down or trying to figure out how to get parenting back on track, one theme that remained constant this year was a desire for simplicity.
We have so many resources out there, but how can we make sense of them when our days are often chaotic, filled with the sometimes hard to predict needs of our children? People responded most positively this year when we published stories or ideas that make the theoretical possible by simplifying and showing the way things work in real families like yours.
The top 10 posts this year included articles that address the need to learn to calm down and get back on track. They also include a list of gift ideas for dads who are hard to shop for, resources for helping prevent sexual abuse and a book review of Smart but Scattered – a book on executive function.
With no further ado, here are the Bounceback Parenting Top 10 for 2016.
- The Explosive Parent: Tips for Channeling Calm So You Don’t Flip Out on Your Kids
I wanted to embrace a positive, mindful parenting mindset, but my danged temper kept getting in the way. That was my first stumbling block on becoming a positive parent. In this post we welcomed author, parent and blogger Rebecca Eanes to talk about how to get more calm.
- A Silly Simple Way to Stop Snapping at Kids
Have you ever wondered how you can stop a day from going downhill before it starts? In this post I discuss something simple I discovered that totally helps me not ruin our day with my temper. It may sound silly, or too simple, but it may really help you keep from snapping!
- Learning Your Anger Signals – First steps in managing anger
Want to get a handle on angry outbursts? One of the hardest parts of dealing with anger is building up the ability to pause before we react to a situation. This post includes a free download with the first step in building that ability to pause before you react.
- Best Gifts for Dads Who Have Everything
It’s not that he has everything exactly, but when Father’s day or Christmas rolls around, the dad in our family seems to have everything he needs, so finding a unique and practical gift for him can be challenging. I asked my husband what gifts he’s enjoyed most and he helped me brainstorm to make this gift list of the best presents for a dad who has everything.
- 3 Calm Down Skills to Practice Before Anger Strikes
Calm Down Skills to Teach While Calm – My “unpeaceful” child was who inspired me to learn about handling anger better, but ALL of us can benefit from these skills.
- Recommended Resource – Smart but Scattered helps kids and parents reach their potential
I was thrilled to find this book that has given me so much insight into how to develop my own and my kids abilities to organize, plan, deal with strong emotions, and move towards life goals.
- Body Safety Education – Books to Help Prevent Sexual Abuse
Discussing body safety is incredibly important; most sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone a child knows (source NSOPW). To prevent sexual abuse children need to know how to set limits regarding their bodies and be empowered to say no to adults (or people in power). Children who can do this are better prepared to protect themselves from predators. These books will help you with the critical topic.
- Screen Time for Kids – How to make family media rules that work
When I mentioned the big improvement in our family since revamping screen time rules for my kids, I got lots of readers telling me that they too struggle with media and screen time. What works for one family may not work in another, so I created this post as a resource of ways that various families manage screen time for kids. In it you’ll find: questions to consider when making your own screen time rules, resources for delving deeper into this subject and examples of how other families handle screen time.
- The No Rescue Policy: Why it’s Time
Have a totally forgetful kid? This post is for you. In it we welcomed back Amy McCready, positive parenting author and educator. I refer to Amy’s book, The Me, Me, Me Epidemic in my post on how I’m dealing with entitlement in my family, and she’s written this as a follow up for us on a positive parenting solution for forgetfulness.
- One thing to change when it feels like everything is falling apart
Sometimes I have weeks when it feels like I’ve forgotten how to do this whole parenting thing completely – I start thinking Nothing works! I don’t know how to do this! I have to change everything! But thankfully when I catch myself thinking that way, I now realize what it’s actually telling me, and it’s not everything must change – just one thing makes the difference.
Wishing you a new year filled with connection, growth and kindness my friends. Thanks for reading!
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