Let’s be honest—whining can be one of the most challenging sounds for a parent to hear.

It’s often high-pitched, persistent, and hard to ignore. And when it comes on during an already stressful moment—like in the car, the checkout line, or right before dinner—it can leave even the calmest parent on edge.

But here’s the good news: whining isn’t bad behavior. It’s a signal. And when we approach it with curiosity and connection, we can help our children learn to express themselves in more effective (and less ear-piercing) ways.

If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve said “no” more times than you can count—

“No more snacks.”
“No, we can’t stay at the park.”
“No, we’re not watching another show.”
“No, you can’t wear shorts in the snow.”

Saying no is a normal part of parenting. But wow, it can be exhausting.

Especially when every “no” turns into a meltdown.

Let’s take a closer look at why your child may lose it when they hear “no,” and what you can do to set kind, clear boundaries without getting stuck in endless arguments.

Big feelings are part of being human—and for young children, they can feel huge. Maybe your toddler is sobbing because their banana broke in half, or your preschooler is yelling after it’s time to leave the playground. These intense emotional moments are part of healthy development, but they can also leave parents feeling confused, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to help.

The good news? You don’t have to “fix” your child’s feelings. In fact, your support is the most powerful tool you have. By offering calm connection, you help your child feel safe in the storm—and learn lifelong skills for handling hard emotions.

If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you’re running on empty as a parent, you're not the only one. Parenting is demanding work—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And while it's often framed as a joyful journey (which it can absolutely be!), we don't always talk about how draining it can feel, especially when support is limited or the pressure feels unrelenting.

This kind of deep exhaustion has a name: parental burnout.

Parenting is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—roles we take on. Whether you're raising kids with a partner or parenting solo, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or isolated, especially when facing behavioral challenges, major life transitions, or developmental concerns.

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Am I the only one struggling with this?”—you’re not alone. Support for parents is essential, not just when things get tough, but as a way to grow in confidence, build community, and strengthen your relationship with your child.

Let’s be honest: parenting is full of moments when you ask your child to do something—and are met with absolutely no response. You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns I hear from parents: “Why won’t my child listen to me?”

Let’s reframe the question. Most of the time, our kids are listening. They hear us. The real question is: why aren’t they responding? Or better yet—why aren’t they doing what we asked?

When it comes to raising kids, the number one question on most parent’s minds is HOW? For most parents, you kind of just stumble into the job, and then as your child grows the stumble kinda turns into a way of living. Each week can lead to different habits, different responses, different behaviors that you need to discipline.

How do you choose what to focus on? How do you parent in a way that nurtures your children, to ensure the best possible start?

Most parents have asked themselves some version of this question: “Why didn’t this kid come with a manual?”

The truth is, nothing fully prepares you for the ups and downs of raising children. Maybe you had a great example growing up, or maybe your own childhood left you feeling unsure of how to do things differently. Either way, parenting is one of those things you often learn on the fly—and it’s not always easy.

The other day, my friend texted me:
“What’s your opinion on the idea of making toddlers say they’re sorry? I’ve seen a lot of opinions on that from child development/parenting experts online and I was wondering what your two cents is!”

It’s such a great question—and one that comes up often.

Here’s my take:
I don’t suggest forcing children of any age to say “I’m sorry.”

It’s a question nearly every parent has asked: “How do I teach my child to share?” We picture our little ones playing kindly side by side, happily taking turns with their toys. But the path to sharing doesn’t always look that peaceful—especially with toddlers.

Most of us were taught that sharing means giving up a toy the moment someone else wants it. And in the heat of a playdate conflict, it can be tempting to step in and say, “You’ve had it long enough—give your friend a turn.” But while well-intentioned, this kind of forced sharing doesn’t actually help children develop generosity or empathy.

If you’ve ever been tempted to promise your child a treat in exchange for good behavior, you’re not alone. Bribery often feels like an easy way to get through challenging moments—whether it’s surviving a grocery store meltdown or coaxing your toddler into their car seat. But while bribes can seem effective in the moment, they come with significant drawbacks that can impact your child’s long-term development and your relationship with them.

Let’s explore why bribes may not be the best parenting strategy and discuss what you can do instead to foster cooperation and mutual respect.

We all have moments we wish we could take back. Maybe you yelled. Maybe your tone was sharper than you meant. Maybe you slammed a door or said something that made your child’s eyes well up.

If you’re here because you lost your cool with your child, first—take a breath. You’re not alone. And this moment, while hard, can become a powerful opportunity for connection and growth.

We’ve all been there—your thoughts are racing, your chest feels tight, and before you know it, you’re imagining the worst-case scenario. This experience, often called spiraling, can feel overwhelming and disorienting. But the good news is: you can learn to interrupt the cycle.

Parenting is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—adventures we take on as partners. It brings out our deepest values, our childhood memories, and sometimes, our fears. So, what happens when you and your spouse realize you have very different ideas about how to raise your kids?

In "The Myth of the Spoiled Child," Alfie Kohn challenges the widespread belief that today's children are overindulged, entitled, and spoiled. He argues that much of what we hear about "coddling" kids is not only exaggerated but also based on outdated notions of discipline and child-rearing. Here's what parents can take away from Kohn's book:

Parenting is deeply rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and full of self-doubt. No one hands you a manual when you bring a child into the world, and many parents find themselves navigating challenges they never expected. That’s where parent support groups come in.

Research shows that joining a parent support group can have a profound impact—not just on your confidence as a parent, but on your overall well-being and even your child’s development. Here’s why:

Play is one of the most important ways young children learn about the world, and playgroups provide a unique space for that learning to flourish. Beyond being a fun activity, playgroups offer numerous benefits for both children and parents, helping to build strong foundations for social, emotional, and cognitive development.

A guide to my favorite family-friendly places for coffee, food, restaurants, and fun in Hamilton County, IN (Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, and Noblesville).

A guide to my favorite family-friendly places for coffee, food, restaurants, and fun around Indianapolis, IN.

Positive Discipline, inspired by the principles of Adlerian psychology, is a relationship-focused approach that guides parents, teachers, couples, and community leaders in fostering respectful, responsible, and resourceful relationships. Popularized through the Positive Discipline book series by Jane Nelsen, Lynn Lott, and others, this model supports adults and children alike in building meaningful connections, which are key to personal and communal growth.