Positive Discipline Parenting Blog

Sproutable’s Positive Discipline blog for parents and caregivers of children toddler to elementary school.

Real tips. Real talk. Read & grow.

Latest post

Shielding Your Children: Navigating High-Conflict Co-Parenting

Parenting is full of surprises—some that make your heart swell, others that test your patience in ways you never imagined. Co-parenting with a high-conflict ex can amplify those challenges, turning everyday situations into hurdles that[...]

By Guest

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Shielding Your Children: Navigating High-Conflict Co-Parenting

Parenting is full of surprises—some that make your heart swell, others that test your patience in ways you never imagined. Co-parenting with a high-conflict ex can amplify those challenges, turning everyday situations into hurdles that feel overwhelming. The tension, disagreements, and constant back-and-forth can drain you. Yet, through it all, one thing remains clear: your […]

By Guest

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Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Nanny Kids

One of my favorite holidays to celebrate with children is Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day may be more representative of romantic love for some people, but I think it’s an awesome time to connect with my nanny kids, start conversations around consent and touch, and to celebrate platonic friendships, kindness, and LOVE. I know some adults who call it “Love Day” or “Friend Day” instead of Valentine’s - I think that’s a great sentiment.

By Danielle Taylor

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Parent Self-Care and Coping with Sleep Deprivation

Parenting, especially in the early stages, often comes with, what feels like, endless sleepless nights. Coping with sleep deprivation is so difficult to manage, and is at the same time crucial for maintaining your well-being and ability to care for your child effectively. Here are some tips for parent self-care while dealing with sleep deprivation. […]

By Jade Folk

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8 Fun Things to do with an 8 Year Old

I’ve always been drawn towards working with young children, and I simply don’t have as much experience with the older elementary crowd that I do with the littles.  Luckily, because of Positive Discipline, I know that my first step in caring for these 2nd, 3rd, & 4th graders is to focus on building connection.  The […]

By Danielle Taylor

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Getting kids’ sleep back on track after summer

Getting sleep back on track after the end of summer can be challenging. Maybe you were living it up, keeping your young ones out  late for more summer fun, or perhaps you were trying to keep routines consistent, but the bright summer evening light delayed bedtime for your little ones. Either way, I know we […]

By Jade Folk

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Winning Cooperation or Winning a Power Struggle? 

In Positive Discipline, we talk about “winning cooperation” from the children we work with. Why would we spend our time & extra effort on “winning cooperation” over just fostering obedience? Why do you want to win cooperation instead of winning the power struggle?

By Danielle Taylor

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How to Stop Negative Interaction Cycles in Relationships

We all fall into repetitive patterns of relating to our partner or our children. This is normal. I call them cycles of interaction, or cycles for short. These cycles can be positive and promote connection. These cycles can also feel like negative ruts that prevent connection, and leave us feeling frustrated with ourselves, with the other person, with the situation, or all of the above!

By Guest

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When Kids Say Really Mean Things

Nothing can prepare you for that first time your child says hurtful things to you. You would think it gets easier but it never does. You are human after all, with feelings too. It is so hard to imagine when they are sweet little babes in your arms that vitriol will come out of their mouths…maybe as teenagers, but that is so far away. You have time. Nope.

By Julietta Skoog

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Turning nap strike into genius hour

By the age of 3, your child has approached many amazing milestones. They are scootering, potty training, running, hopping, even coloring and telling jokes and stories. With all this development comes a price- nap strike! It is common for children around the age of 3 (usually right before) to “drop the nap.” Don’t be fooled! […]

By Julietta Skoog

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Connecting with Early Elementary Schoolers

A huge tenet of Positive Discipline is building & nurturing the relationship between you and the child(ren) you care for. We call this connection. Some connection-building is instant and easy: you’ll end up bonding with just about any child in your circle, but if you find yourself in power struggles or asking “why aren’t they listening to me?” then it’s time to focus on building connection.

By Danielle Taylor

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