Positive Discipline Parenting Blog
Sproutable's Positive Discipline blog.
Real tips. Real talk. Read & grow.
Latest post
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[...]By Danielle Taylor
0 Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
Catch Us at the Library
I’ve been nannying for about eight years now, and though kids & families may change, one very consistent part of my nanny routine is visiting the library. I recently found myself considering what’s still so engaging to me and my nanny kids about the library after literally hundreds of visits. Why are libraries so helpful in supporting young children?By Danielle Taylor
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
The Art of Parenting Teens: Taking a rest day
Parenting teenagers can be a challenging journey filled with ups and downs. It’s a phase of life where both parents and teens undergo significant changes, and navigating this transition can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of taking a “rest day” in your parenting approach and understanding […]By Casey O'Roarty
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
My Top 5 Toddler Parenting Tools
My little baby is now a full-blown toddler. Every stage of development has been such an exciting leap, but it’s at this stage that I’m getting a glimpse into the inner dialogue of my little one’s brain. He is learning to talk and along with language comes a newfound sense of independence and autonomy. This is great when I need to clean up after meals or shoot off a couple of emails, because he can now play by himself for longer periods of time, or even better, help me around the house. It’s a challenge when I have an agenda of what needs to happen now and it doesn’t align with HIS plan. I now understand why virtually every parent of a toddler says their child is “strong-willed”. There’s a parenting myth about the terrible two’s, but what I’ve found is that it doesn’t have to be so terrible if you have some solid Positive Discipline parenting tools in your back pocket.By Alanna Beebe
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
Tips for validating teens
I like to think of validation as a way to be human to human with my kids. I want them to have the experience of feeling seen. When we validate, it’s an opportunity to let our teens know we can handle them being in their emotions and that we have faith in them to navigate that. Validation improves relationships, deescalates conflict and intense emotions, shows we’re listening without judgment, and that we care. I also think of validation as the opening of a door: when our kids and teens feel seen and not judged, they’re so much more likely to move into a receptive, problem-solving state.By Casey O'Roarty
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
Getting curious about the Belief Behind Behavior
A few years back I did an interview with Alison Smith. It touched on the importance of finding the need beneath the behaviors we see. I also often reference the iceberg metaphor - the idea that behavior we’re seeing is just the tip of the iceberg, and if we can go under the surface and really get to what's fueling the behavior, we can make lasting, sustainable change in our home environment.By Casey O'Roarty
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
Talking to kids about friendships
There was a time, maybe you remember this too, when we were taught to be friends with everybody. Being nice, getting along, and not creating conflict was rewarded with approval from the adults, and led to confusion for the kids. They knew it wasn’t that simple. There were kids that they just didn’t vibe with, […]By Julietta Skoog
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
Five Phrases to Leave in 2022
One thing I’m always trying to improve on is my language and communication with children. I invite you to consider these five phrases that well-intentioned adults use with kids and offer some alternatives that might be worth trying out.By Danielle Taylor
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
When nanny kids miss their parent
“I WANT MY MAMA!” We’ve all been there- watching your nanny kiddos meltdown because they miss their parents. How can we best support our charges, both beforehand and in the moment, when they’re missing their parents? Here are my 5 tools to help nanny kids when they miss their parent or caregiver.By Danielle Taylor
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
Being present with your teen’s school discouragement
A mom in our community shared this: “I’m struggling so much parenting my 15 year old son. He is so negative. He’s very smart & has friends, but he says he hates school, that the education system is stupid, homework is a waste, etc. He is literally negative about everything, yet he won’t do anything […]By Casey O'Roarty
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)
Teacher Tom’s First Book – a nanny review
As a parent or caregiver, you might not be immediately drawn to a book written by a teacher and about teaching, but it is absolutely relevant and engaging for anyone who has children in their lives. My copy is highlighted, tabbed, and has post-it notes falling out of it from all the notes I was jotting down & sections I want to remember!By Danielle Taylor
Views![](https://www.besproutable.com/wp-content/themes/ejv-starter-theme/images/icons/views-icon.png)