Ep27 10 Tips for Parenting Toddlers (and other kids of any age)

“Soon we’ll have the intimate happiness of the family, and it’s this beauty that brings us closer to God.”
~ St. Louis Martin

The Terrible Twos. Three-nagers. A-Four-itarian. It's time to dive into the wild world of parenting toddlers (and kids of any age) with a blend of wisdom, humor, and relatability! Drawing from their own experiences as parents to a brood of seven children, ranging from 3 to 12 years old, Pat & Kenna share 10 valuable and hard-earned tips to help navigate the challenges that come with raising little ones.

From the struggle of saying "yes" to the importance of addressing underlying needs behind challenging behaviors, this episode offers practical advice on fostering connection, emotional regulation, and secure attachment. We'll also stress the importance of asking for help and identifying one area to focus on for progress in parenting.

With encouragement and authenticity, Kenna and Pat remind listeners that they are not alone on this journey and that small steps can lead to big changes in creating a joyful, connected, and fulfilling home.

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
17:26: Intro to Parenting Toddlers
23:04: #1: Connection Before Correction
26:03: #2: Empathy, Empathy, Empathy
28:39: #3: Physically get on their level, Emotionally do NOT get on their level
31:26: #4: Prioritize things with your toddler that bring you JOY
34:02: #5: Ask questions instead of making assumptions
38:40: #6: Take a breath & take a break
41:53: #7: Behavior demonstrates a need
47:06: #8: Start with ONE thing
49:53: #9: How can I say yes?
53:06: #10: Ask for help
56:38: Challenge By Choice

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Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.