Downey Parent Coaching and Counseling

12/01/2022

In the midst of a temper tantrum, your child hits you. You scold and try to redirect him but he ignores you and starts throwing toys. Maybe you take away privileges or send him to time-out.

Then it happens again and again. The meltdowns aren’t decreasing and you’re at your wit’s end. You find yourself scolding more, possibly even making threats that you’re not sure you will follow through on.

If you’ve attempted these strategies with your child with autism and feel like they are failing, you’re not alone.

Read more about specific discipline strategies for a child with autism in my newest article:

Disciplining a child with autism involves using consistent, gentle discipline techniques and understanding your child’s specific needs and behaviors.

11/29/2022

Does your child struggle with step-by-step instructions?

My recent article discusses understanding why your child struggles with sequential reasoning skills and ways you can help improve it.

Does your child struggle with step-by-step instructions? Find out if your child struggles with sequential reasoning skills and ways you can help improve it.

11/27/2022

Fluid reasoning is the brain’s ability to think flexibly and solve problems in new situations.

Fluid reasoning is considered an essential component of cognitive development. Fluid intelligence accurately predicts performance in academics and cognitively demanding occupations.

If you’re concerned that your child has poor fluid reasoning or want to learn more about fluid intelligence, check out my recent article:

If a child struggles to learn new ways to do things, it may be a problem with fluid reasoning. Learn about fluid reasoning, its importance, and ways to improve it.

11/24/2022

Do you or your child struggle with stinkin' thinkin'? Also called cognitive distortions, these negative thought patterns influence our emotions and behaviors.

My recent article talks more about these cognitive distortions and ways you can help support your child in challenging their stinkin' thinkin'.

Does your child worry a lot? Cognitive distortions in kids can negatively impact mood and behaviors. Learn how to help your child overcome negative thinking.

08/16/2022

In the first few years of life, your child’s brain is rapidly developing. It’s exciting to watch your child learn and master new skills. It can be mesmerizing to observe an infant discover his hand and stare at it for weeks before figuring out how to pick up something.

Watching your child master different milestones can be exhilarating. But sometimes it’s worrisome. It might feel like your child is not grasping concepts like other children. This could be a sign of a cognitive developmental delay.

Learn more about cognitive delays in my recent article: https://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/cognitive-developmental-delay

If you have concerns about your baby's development, talk with your pediatrician. If you feel unheard or still worried, continue to reach out for support, you know your child best. Early intervention is key to successful outcomes.

Cognitive developmental delays occur when a child’s thinking and reasoning are significantly below the expected average. Learn the signs and best ways to help.

08/12/2022

For any parent or caregiver of a newborn, here's a recent article I did about newborn grunting. It's amazing how many noises babies can make in their sleep! Sometimes those noises may seem scary, but knowing what might cause the different grunts, gurgles and squeaks might help you find peace of mind or reach out to the doctor when necessary!

I hope it helps. 💜
https://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/newborn-grunting-while-sleeping

Newborn grunting and squirming while sleeping is completely normal. Several factors contribute to the noise and movements your baby exhibits at night.

07/28/2022

With school starting soon and summer coming to an end, there are a lot of changes coming up for our kids.

Change can be exciting but it can also be overwhelming or scary. Even positive change can have a negative impact at times. Especially for younger children.

If your little one is suddenly having accidents, or regressing in skills and/or behaviors, my newest article I just published at WonderBaby might help! Check it out here:

Potty training regression occurs when a potty-trained child suddenly has consistent accidents. These tips can help parents get a child back on track.

05/10/2022

Do you find yourself frustrated often because your kids aren't listening?

What if I told you your kids ARE listening?

They hear more than they acknowledge. Typically the concern isn't that your kids aren't listening, it's that they aren't doing what you ask them.

Instead of getting frustrated repeating yourself, try asking in a different way.

Try these alternatives or read more at https://downeyparenting.com/why-kids-dont-listen/

05/08/2022

This Mother's day, I want to honor, hold space for and recognize the variety of "mothers" in our society.

Happy Mother's day to the new moms, single moms, step-moms, foster moms, adoptive moms, fur baby moms, grandma's, Aunts, neighbors, teachers, and everyone else that impacts a child's life. Even if you have chosen not to have children, your role in my community is seen and valued. You each play a role in shaping our youth and I celebrate you.

For those with a broken heart this Mother's day, or a strained mother/child relationship, or those desperately wanting to be a mom, I honor your today. For anyone grieving this Mother's Day, my heart is with you today also.

💜 Linda

05/06/2022

It is important for parents to set limits and boundaries for their children AND to follow through with those limits. Sometimes I feel like a broken record saying kids need parents to be firm (with a limit) while also fair AND kind.

But sometimes, parents get stuck in power struggles. They create a limit that they actually can't control.

In parent coaching, this is where I spend a lot of time with clients. Together, we break down the limit that is being challenged. Is it something from your family of origin? A core value of your immediate family? A fear based limit? Is it something you can control? If not, is it something you can influence?

Most times, parents discover it's not a limit they need to enforce and we practice the skill of letting it go.

Are you stuck in a power struggle? This blog may help: https://downeyparenting.com/the-power-of-letting-go/

If you still feel stuck in a never ending struggle and are ready for change, there is hope and I can help, send me a PM or feel free to email me: linda@downeyparenting.com

It may feel good to have power and control, yet it can feel debilitating when we lose it. In parenting, there is power in letting go.

05/05/2022

Sometimes gentle parenting is confused with what I consider gentle nagging...or begging.

But I view gentle parenting as setting appropriate limits and following through in a gentle way.

Kids thrive when they know what to expect. Gently set an appropriate expectation, allow time for a child to process the request and then gently follow through.

Stop repeating yourself over and over.

Set a limit. Follow through. Be kind. 💜

04/27/2022

When life gets hard, I tend to want to shut down. But with time I've learned this doesn't help. Instead, I put on my tennis shoes and I walk.

What do you do when life gets hard? How can you nourish yourself?

What do you do when life gets hard? Do you revert to old unhealthy habits-do you overeat, shutdown, or avoid? Now is the time to nurture you.