The Blog

Rather listen? You can do that here! As a psychologist and mom of three, I don’t always know the right things to say at the right times nor do I always say things how I mean to say them.  What helps me is having a few go-to phrases to fall back on during stressful moments […]

Rather listen? You can do that here! 90% of your child’s brain develops by age 5. To ‘develop’ is to change, and your child’s brain is changing at rapid speed.  In fact, your child’s brain makes at least 1 million new neural connections every SECOND – far more than any other time in their life.  […]

Rather listen? You can do so here! Many of us were taught ‘stranger danger’- Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t trust them. Leave them alone.  Yet only 28 percent of child abductions happen by strangers. And when it comes to child abuse in general, the vast majority of it happens at the hands of someone children […]

Would you rather listen? Click here for the podcast episode! Children’s misbehavior is often a reflection of issues within the family system. Behavior doesn’t exist in a vacuum and as parents, it’s vital we zoom out so that we can accurately understand what’s going on.  It’s much easier, though, to focus on our child and […]

RATHER LISTEN? HERE’S A LINK TO THE EPISODE ON MY PODCAST. You speak anywhere from 7,000 to 14,000 words a day.  In the vast sea of so many words, there are certain words and phrases that stick out in the human mind – those which are said out of anger.  There are just certain things you […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to the episode on my podcast. “Most children are amazing critical thinkers before we silence them.” – bell hooks Children naturally have a thirst for knowledge – they come into this world eager to study it – yet we as adults take this for granted.  They naturally question everything, tinker around, […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to the episode on my podcast. I have learned more about parenting from my mother than any degree, research article, book, or lecture.  And so have you.  For better or worse, we are shaped by our relationships, especially those we have in childhood.  Yes, learning, unlearning, and relearning are important to […]

Blog Article Written by Karey O’Hara, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University. Navigating the journey of separation and divorce brings its own set of challenges, and as a parent, a predominant concern often lingers: “What can I do to ensure the very best for my children, whom I love more than anything?” This […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to the episode on my podcast. We know our kids need both LOVE & LIMITS, but what does that sound like in everyday life? Here’s the Recipe For Healthy Boundaries: Empathy – Try to see the situation from your child’s eyes. What is THEIR perspective? Identify and communicate this to […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! Navigating feelings of frustration and hurtful language (both towards others and oneself) is hard. Here’s a quick story time of how I handled this with my 6-year old! While trying to attempt new tricks with her hula hoop, my 6-year old grew frustrated and blurted […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to the episode on my podcast! When it comes to aggressive behaviors, it’s tempting to overcomplicate things by: But please don’t… Here’s what to try instead. It’s really simple.  When kids get aggressive (e.g., hitting, kicking, throwing, biting, etc.)… 1. Limit your words   2. Focus on letting your behavior speak […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! Does your child often meltdown when you’re not doing things “quick” enough? Or they’re not getting their needs met? Or maybe they’re screaming at you, “I want it now!!!” Yikes.  Here’s how to respond… I don’t know about y’all but as a mom of […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! It’s super common for kids to see problematic behaviors at school + want to try them out at home. They are trying to process what they observed + test out your boundaries. Here’s how I address in the moment! Two things before I share […]

Rather Listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! Teaching kids how to manage their anger comes down to helping them shift their mindset so they can change their choices.  Rather than anger being viewed as a “bad” feeling, let’s come to see it as a messenger here to help us.  Then we can […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! I know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, embarrassed and upset at your child when their teacher approaches you about their misbehavior.  There’s so many potential reasons why your child is misbehaving including: That’s why it’s sooo important to slow down and focus on gathering more […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! I don’t know who needs to hear this but connecting with our kids is not just about snuggles & play time… Let me explain… So I was recently coaching a parent inside my private community… In the midst of discussing her daughter’s problematic behavior, she […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! So lately, I’ve noticed that my 5-year old has been doing a lot of “testy” behaviors like: There are sooo many different ways to approach this but here’s what I’ve been doing lately (based on our context).  1. Shifting my mindset of her & her […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! When tension runs high, it’s tempting to match our children’s emotions and meet their anger with anger but it rarely works. All we’re left with is disconnection and lots of guilt.  Here’s what to practice instead. What is de-escalation? De-escalation is responding to our child’s […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! Instead of avoiding screens, teach your kids how to have a healthy relationship with them! Focus on building a foundation of open communication, digital safety & healthy screen habits.  And the earlier we start teaching these things, the better!  To help you get started, here […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! Navigating our children’s intense emotions can sometimes feel like we’re walking on eggshells. Here’s what to avoid saying to an angry child & why. 1. “Take a deep breath.”  A common mistake is encouraging kids to practice a coping skill in the heat of the […]

Even though I have 2 older daughters, watching my 9-month-old’s curiosity, determination and delight in learning about the world around him is one of my favorite parts of parenting right now.  Whether it’s pulling up to stand, learning how to play fetch with our pet dog (yes, he’s learning how to grab and “throw” the […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! I know a lot of focus is on helping kids make better choices so that we raise respectful humans and I love this.  But we also need to balance these conversations with holding ourselves accountable & shining a light on the ways in which we […]

Rather listen? Here’s a link to this episode on my podcast! I know it’s tempting to fall back on shouting at our kids to hurry when we’re in a rush. But it often just leads to more dawdling because now they feel pressured and can sense our impatience. Here’s what to say instead! 1. Say […]

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With the holidays fast approaching and Thanksgiving around the corner, you might be wondering when and how to teach kids about the true history behind Thanksgiving. Read on to learn more.

You’ve been trying all the latest tips and tricks for tantrums, but it seems to make your toddler angrier. In this blog, I break down the common reasons and what to do and say during your toddler or preschooler’s tantrums.

I think one of the biggest parenting triggers is whining. Whining makes it hard to think clearly and step into our best selves. Let me share with you why kids whine, what to say when your child whines, and how to stop kids from whining.

Deciding whether or not to tell the truth about Santa is tough. And deciding HOW to tell kids about Santa and how to respond to their question is even tougher. Let me tell you about my approach and much more.

When we’re frustrated with our kids, we tend to move like everythings an emergency. In this blog, I’ll share exactly what to say in the moment when you’re feeling frustrated in front of your kids.

A quick story time about morning impatience, rush, and stress to show how I used my power of awareness to harness more patience and calm.

Did you know that around 80% of children experience setbacks during the potty training process? There’s a lot of taking a step forward, taking a couple of steps backward, and then taking steps forward throughout the potty training journey. With these setbacks, we want to avoid saying certain phrases while potty training.  So let’s dive […]

The early days and weeks of potty training can be really tricky and MESSY! With all the accidents and resistance, it can be hard to know what to do and say while potty training. In this blog, I’ll breakdown top phrases to avoid saying while potty training, why you want to avoid these phrases, and what to do and say in the moment for more potty training success!

Would it surprise you if I said that you should start discipline now, even if your child is an infant? In this blog, I’m going to break down how and when you should start positive discipline practice, and how to use positive discipline with your child and what it looks like. What does discipline mean? […]

Are you nervous about your child starting school soon? I’m going to share 11 concrete tips on how to emotionally and mentally prepare your child for daycare, preschool, or kindergarten. #1: Start talking to your child early about starting daycare, preschool, or kindergarten. You’re going to want to start to plant seeds early on – […]

Change and transitions can make us all feel stressed, even if it’s an exciting change, like starting a new school. It can still bring a lot of fears and anxiety. So it’s important to understand how you can best support your child as they deal with and cope with change. Let me share with you […]

Traveling with toddlers or babies is not always easy. My family took a trip from California to Atlanta, Georgia, with my then 3-year-old and 4-year-old. And on this trip, I learned a lot about what it’s like to fly with kids. So I’d like to share with you some of my top tips and hacks […]

Adding a new baby to the family can have a huge impact. And this experience can feel so different from the first time around because now you have another child to consider. This can make you feel worried and anxious about how your first child will adjust to this big change in the family, and […]

In this blog, I’m going to answer some specific questions I’ve received from parents about conflict resolution. What should you do when there is conflict between siblings during play? The first question I received was from a mom who has a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old. She said she often finds the 3-year-old will bring toys […]

Food throwing – it’s like the ultimate test of your patience. Can you keep your cool? And when your toddler or baby throws food, it can be annoying and frustrating. But throwing food is developmentally appropriate, especially for between 6 and 18 months.  I know you’re like, “Great, Dr. Jazmine. That’s fine and all. But […]

Let’s talk about picky eating. The type of little ones that no matter what you put on their plate, they don’t want it unless it’s a hot dog, chicken nugget, cheese, some kind of carb, or junk food. And you’re ready to pull your hair out because mealtimes are no longer enjoyable since you have […]

Even the calmest and most patient parent is going to lose their cool with their toddler or child from time to time. While more patience is always the goal, it’s a small fact of life that you’re going to slip up. You’re going to make mistakes as a parent, and at times, you’re going to […]

Did you know that parenting is about 80% mindset and 20% tips and tricks? When parenting little ones, I truly believe it is more about your thinking, perspective, and mindset as you navigate tantrums and other big feelings. It’s so helpful to have an awareness of what you’re thinking in your mind during the most […]

A common question I get is “Dr. Jazmine, do you recommend time-outs for toddlers or preschoolers? What’s your whole perspective on this?” When it comes to discipline and helping your child make good choices, learn new behaviors, and teach lagging skills, there are many approaches out there. As a clinical psychologist, I am a fan […]

If you clicked through to this blog, you’re probably struggling with defiance and your child not listening to you. Do you give your child instructions, and they laugh in your face? Maybe they run away thinking it’s a game. Maybe they tune you out and do the exact opposite of what you want them to […]

I know the topic of rewards while potty training can be a bit controversial and many of us have mixed feelings. In this week’s episode, I share my candid clinical recommendations as well as my personal experience when it comes to rewards and potty training.  I think it’s important to decide what’s best for your family even […]

One of the most frequently asked questions I get about potty training is what to do when a child won’t poop in the potty. Little ones love to wait until it’s naptime to poop in their pull up, am I right?

Let’s talk about some possible reasons for holding poop and simple tips to help your toddler finally poop on the potty.

Dealing with clingy behavior is exhausting. And it can be frustrating to know what to do/say when your child is crying to be held for the 1000th time. In this blog, I share some of the top reasons why children become clingy and 3 quick tips to curb the clinginess!

The number one question I receive when it comes to potty training is, “How do I know when they’re ready???” Here’s the thing – there’s no magical age when it comes to potty training. Every child is different and should start when they are developmentally ready. In general, you want to look out for developmental […]

Of course, we hope our children never encounter an unsafe stranger. We hope they will never be in a place where they have to scream and defend themselves against an unsafe person or stranger. But, just as with other important life skills, this is an important life skill to teach our children. Begin to teach […]

One of my most asked questions is how to handle aggressive behaviors.  Whether that’s hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, pinching, I’ll spill the tea on how to handle these behaviors. So don’t worry, I’ve got you. Keep in mind, I’m talking about younger kids – think infancy to age 5 – especially toddlers and preschoolers. We’re […]

Let’s talk about yelling because we’re all feeling crispy – aka burned out. A couple of weeks ago, I did a story about the assumptions you all had about me. One of the big assumptions was, “I assume you don’t yell at your kids.”  I’m like, “Oh, girl, no. Yes, I do.” It happens even […]

In parenting, we tend to fall back on phrases when talking with our kids. We often use the same phrases over and over again. Some of these phrases work and others, not so much. It’s so important to reflect on the language we use, especially if our goal is to elicit more cooperation and help […]

Giving our kids the language to use during social situations is KEY. When we teach kids exactly what they can say to get their needs met in social situations, we are building their self-awareness, confidence, and ability to advocate for themselves. In today’s episode I will the exact phrases, word for word, to start teaching […]

With the holidays fast approaching and Thanksgiving being *right* around the corner, you might be wondering WHEN AND HOW to start the conversation about the REAL history behind Thanksgiving. I am so passionate about teaching kids age-appropriate history that doesn’t overwhelm them but also doesn’t misinform or dishonor other cultures. In today’s video, I’ll break […]

Much of what looks like misbehavior is really your child trying to get their needs met. Common unmet needs include: -Physical activity -Connection/attention -Power and control -Tired or hungry In this video, I’ll break down common behavior and what it could mean. //REGISTER FOR FREE DISCIPLINE WORKSHOP: How to get your child to listen without […]

Toddler and Preschooler night wakings can be HARD. Young children tend to cry longer and harder than infants and are harder to reassure than older kids. It’s extremely common & it’s usually a stage that will run its course if we give it time (and we’re not inadvertently doing things to reinforce the behavior!). It […]

Oops! Your child overheard you drop the F-bomb and now it’s their new favorite word. Or better yet, they – out of nowhere – say a swear word and you’re left wondering, “Where did they learn that from!? I’ve never used those words!” In today’s video, I’m going to why kids swear/curse and most importantly […]

Can we talk about mornings today?! Ideally, mornings are a time for connecting with our kids and getting excited about the day to come. But let’s be real – mornings often feel hectic, stressful, and overwhelming. Not only are we up against a time crunch, but our kids seldom want to do the things we […]

Discipline & setting limits can be tricky. On one end, we want to curb the misbehavior and increase cooperation with our toddler or preschooler but we also want to do so in a way that’s respectful and cuts back on the tears and tantrums. Really, this comes down to TWO big things: Managing our expectations […]

I think one of the biggest parenting triggers is whining, am I right?! Nothing makes us want to yell and whine back like whining does. It literally triggers alarm bells in our brains saying, “Make this stop! This needs to go away right now!” When this happens, it makes it hard to think clearly and […]

Have you ever wondered about my views on sleep training? I get this question SO MUCH! So in today’s video, I’m finally sharing what I have to say about sleep training. Now I know, sleep training is *such* a controversial topic, and depending on who you ask – you will likely get a different answer. […]

It’s no secret – there’s so much variation when it comes to raising our children. But, did you know that researchers have narrowed it down to just 4 different parenting styles? Let me back up – What is a parenting style?! A Parenting style is your pattern of strategies of interacting and disciplining your child […]

Cosleeping vs Crib sleeping: Which is better?! That is the million-dollar question! In today’s video, I share the pros and cons of cosleeping and crib sleeping so that you can make the best decision for your family. I also share my personal and professional opinion based on my experience as a mom of two. I […]

We recently took a family vacation to Atlanta, Georgia! Come with us as we do some house hunting + lots of kid festivities including the Atlanta Zoo, Aquarium, MLK National Historical Park, Botanical Gardens, and more! We show you how we: 👉🏽Teach our kids about race + racism 👉🏽Handle sibling conflict 👉🏽Deal with constant toy […]

So we recently traveled from North California to Atlanta, Georgia with our two preschoolers (ages 3 and 4)! It was a 12 hour travel day and we caught a red-eye flight. 😳 It’s safe to say, our kids were pushed to their limit! I want to bring you behind the scenes on our travel day […]

Bedtime can get messy real quick. We’re all tired and we as parents are often ready for the bedtime routine to be over before it even gets started. Who else can relate? In today’s video, I’ll be sharing: ✅Tips for smooth bedtime routines for toddlers and preschoolers ✅Sneak peek into our current routine ✅General things […]

Knowing the right time to transition from crib to toddler bed can be tricky. You might be wondering: ❓When is the right time? ❓What should I be considering before making this change? ❓How do help them adjust to the huge change? How to mentally prepare them? In this video you’ll learn: ✅What age range is […]

So your little one is completely (or almost completely) daytime potty trained and now you’re wondering about nighttime potty training? When do you start? How do you know when your child’s ready? What do you do to lead to more success? In today’s video, I’ll be answering all your questions including: ✅Signs your child is […]

My first ever family vlog! I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know in the comments if you want to see more vlogs on my channel. TIMESTAMPS ►0:00-0:25 Friday, July 2nd ► 0:25-5:21 Monday, July 5th ► 5:21-10:44 Tuesday, July 6th ► 10:45-12:53 Wednesday, July 7th ► 12:54-26:00 Thursday, July 8th ► 26:01-28:35 Friday, July […]

By far, this was the scariest moment of my life. I went back and forth on whether or not to share this story with you all but ultimately, if it can help save a life, it’s more than worth it. In today’s video, I share a story time of my daughter almost drowning in our […]

Potty training while on the go can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot going on and the last thing you want to have happen is an accident while you’re out and about. In today’s video, I share potty training essentials (aka MUST HAVES) while traveling. I also share quick tips to keep in mind when on […]

How much independent playtime is okay? How often should I be playing with my baby/child? If you’ve ever wondered those questions then this video is for you! In today’s video, I’ll be sharing how much time you should be playing with your child and how much time your child should be playing independently. TIMESTAMPS ► […]

Are you interested in learning where to begin when it comes to preparing your child for daycare, preschool, or Kindergarten? To me, children’s books are one of my favorite ways to begin to emotionally prepare children for change. Books help to open the conversation, normalize feelings, and teach children how to cope with their big […]

Are you nervous about your child starting school soon especially if they’ve been isolated for so long given everything that’s happened this past year? If so, today’s video is for you. In this video you’ll learn 10 practical tips for emotionally preparing your child for preschool or Kindergarten. Be sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube […]

Is your child constantly throwing things? Whether it’s out of frustration or excitement, this behavior can be so frustrating as parents. In today’s video, I’m going to be sharing: ✔Typical age this behavior starts ✔Common reasons it happens ✔Step by step how to handle the behavior in the moment Last week’s video: How to teach […]

Is your child quick to fly off the handle? Do you want to help them learn how to cope with intense feelings like anger and disappointment? If so, just know – you’re not the only one. Teaching our children how to manage their big emotions is hard work and it’s a skill that takes time […]

Nothing gets our heart rates up as parents/caregivers/teachers then seeing our children scream and cry over toys. Whether it’s between siblings, cousins, or peers, witnessing toy battles that seem to be endless is exhausting and frustrating, am I right? I know how hard it is to see our children struggle with sharing, taking turns, and […]

Today, I want to talk about biting! I get this question so often so we need to talk! Biting is actually quite common amongst young children but I know that’s not what you came here to hear! In today’s video, I’ll be spilling the tea ☕️ on the best ways to prevent & manage biting […]

We all have disagreements with our partner or co-parent from time to time. It’s a normal part of being in a relationship with someone, but is it healthy to fight in front of your kids?! In today’s video, I share 5 Rules to Keep In mind the next time you and your partner have a […]

Today we’re talking about thumb sucking.  This question was actually inspired by questions I get inside my private parent coaching community, The Mom Sisterhood.  Did you know that thumb sucking is actually incredibly common in children? Research suggests that between 70-90 percent of children suck their thumb at some point. Most children will gradually grow […]

Happy Play Challenge Week! This week, I wanted to switch it up & have some fun! I thought I’d share what my 3-year old daughter received for her birthday. In this video, I share clips of her and her sister enjoying their new toys. TIMESTAMPS ► Introduction: 0:00- ► Item 1: 2:05 ► Item 2: […]

Interested in learning where to begin when it comes to teaching your child about feelings? To me, children’s books are one of my favorite ways to begin to teach toddlers and preschoolers about feelings.  Books help to open the conversation, normalize feelings, and teach children how to cope with their big feelings. A couple weeks […]

Are you expecting another child? First of all, congratulations! A new sibling can have a huge impact on your family. This experience can look so different than with your first child. This time around, you’re likely wondering how your older child will respond to their new sibling and how best to prepare them for this […]

Life is full of change.  Whether it’s good change, like expecting a new sibling, or unexpected change like needing to travel for a family emergency, change stresses us all out, including our children.  Whenever possible, you want to prepare your child for the upcoming change to cut back on behavioral issues and big feelings.  In […]

Did you know tantrums & aggressive behaviors are common in the early years? Yup, that’s right.  Your child’s brain is still growing so skills like communication, emotional regulation and conflict resolution are still not fully developed.  While this is true, there are things you can do at home to help your child learn tools to […]

Are you tired and burned out (or as I like to say “crispy”) from playing all the time? Does even thinking about playing with your child stress you out? I’m a huge fan of play. There are so many benefits, not only for our child’s development but also for our overall connection with our child […]