Merrit

✨I empower Moms and help them crush their SAHM goals✨ Gentle/Attachment Parenting • Child Led Play Learning • Natural Living

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Even if they seem like they are struggling, I recommend take a step back and watch them figure it out on their own. This will allow them to develop valuable problem solving skills, as well as feelings of pride, accomplishment and confidence.

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

As a gentle parent, what can we do to support our littles through these big expressions of emotion and overwhelm? Most importantly, we hold space and be there to support them through it.

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Learning the principle of consent from the earliest age is one of the most important things you can teach your little.

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

How many times a day do you tell your little "good boy/girl!" Did you know that this simple phrase can actually be harmful?

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Ever wonder why tantrums happen?

A lot of the time, a toddlers tantrum is simply caused because they are unable to effectively communicate what they need, which leads to emotional overwhelm, which then boils into a tantrum.

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

The simplest way to help your toddler cooperate is by giving them Affirmative Directions.

Basically, tell your toddler what you’d like them *to do* rather than what *not to do*

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

The *only* thing your child actually needs is your attention.

Everything else, what tools or parenting practices you choose, is up to you!

Give your little your full undivided attention, and the rest will fall into place.

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Did you know toddlers don’t begin to develop impulse control until 3.5-4 years old?

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Tell me why I straight up say thank you when my daughter spits food into my hand? 💀

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Ever feel like your kiddo is perfectly behaved all day, then when they get home chaos ensues?⁠
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It's not in your head. Just like you may need to decompress after work, your little is just finally able to relax now that they're home again.

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Gentle reminder to be conscious of the expectations we place on our child and to allow them grace and mistakes 🤗

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Simply put, they don't have the comprehension to be rude. They don't understand what rude is, or how to avoid it, so they simply can't. Rudeness can be described as ignoring 'polite' societal norms. But if you don't know those norms exist? You can't be rude.⁠

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Your little will nurse for so many reasons, all of which are just as valid as hunger! There are so many things nursing can provide for your baby beyond a full belly.

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

One of the core principles of Gentle Parenting is respect. Respecting your child as a whole individual. And with that comes respecting their right to bodily autonomy.⁠

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Let's normalize apologizing to our kids, shall we?⁠
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Apologizing to your kiddo right from the start not only gets you in the habit, it helps set your mindset that your child is an individual deserving of your respect.⁠

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

A person's attachment style will affect the relationships they build for the rest of their life.⁠
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A child with a secure attachment style feels protected by their parents, and confident that they can depend on them.⁠

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Children use play to understand the world, to practice new skills, to work through their problems, and as a tool for stress management.⁠

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

By empowering my child with the reasoning behind my parenting decisions, and the "why" behind the limits she has to live her life by, I am building the foundation for her own internal decision making.⁠⁠

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

What you may not know, however, is the secret mom hack to get your toddler to willingly do whatever it is you're trying to get them to do😉⁠⁠
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Basically, all you have to do, is give them some control!⁠⁠

[Merrit @labelmemerrit]

Instead of saying "you're ok" whenever you little is upset over something, try this:⁠
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👉🏼 Validate their feelings⁠
👉🏼 Offer reassurance⁠
👉🏼 Ask if you can help⁠