Positive Discipline Parenting Blog
Sproutable’s Positive Discipline blog for nannies, au pairs and babysitters of children toddler to elementary school.
Real tips. Real talk. Read & grow.
Latest post
Why Natural Consequences Work: A Nanny’s Guide to Positive Discipline That Builds Resilient Kids
As a nanny, Natural Consequences is one of my favorite ways to respond to children. In “Positive Discipline Parenting Tools,” Dr. Jane Nelsen explains that, “A natural consequence is anything that happens naturally, with no[...]By Danielle Taylor
0 Views You Connected Your Child with a Therapist… Now What?
Have you connected your child with a therapist or counselor and want to know how best to support your child on this journey? Before your child begins with a mental health provider, it can be helpful to ask them some questions. If you haven’t asked these questions and the relationship is already established, don’t fear, […]By Meghan R. Kaloper
Views Making the Most of School Breaks with Your Nanny Kids
When I was a teacher, it felt like we were never on school break, but now that I’m a nanny, it seems like kids are always on school break! Funny how that works. While school breaks can be fun and refreshing, they also have a way of disrupting routines and leave us with long days […]By Danielle Taylor
Views 
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
Views 
Five Things to Remember in the Tough Moments with Kids
Nannying is undoubtedly the best job I’ve ever had. I truly love nannying. Nonetheless, there are still tough days with kids, and more frequently, tough moments. The best nannies and the sweetest kiddos still have conflict, challenges, bad moods, and miscommunication. Here are five reminders that have helped me get through those extra tough moments […]By Danielle Taylor
Views 
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
Views 
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
Views 
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
Views 
When Kids Say Really Mean Things to Nannies
Nothing can prepare you for that first time a nanny charge 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 that even at 3, 4 or 5 years old that vitriol will come out of […]By Julietta Skoog
Views 
Teaching Body Positivity to Nanny Kids
I remember feeling absolutely gutted when the sweet kindergartener I used to nanny for made a passing comment about her “big tummy” as we were reading books together one afternoon. I was heartbroken, shocked, and absolutely froze. I wanted to say, “No! You don’t have a big tummy! And even if you did, big tummies are amazing! You’re perfect and beautiful and strong!” But I had no idea if that was “the right” thing to say at that moment. Honestly, I can’t even remember what I said, but her comment has certainly stuck with me. The next time this happens, I do know what I’m going to say.By Danielle Taylor
Views