A parent consults with Janet about her son's struggles to interact socially with other kids. She feels he has no real friends and offers several examples where her son’s behavior becomes aggressive and unwelcome by playmates. He then becomes “sad and frustrated.” She writes: “As a mom, my heart breaks because I see him struggle to make a best friend. It seems like the kids at preschool click with at least one other person really well, and I just don’t feel like he does.” This mom says she feels stuck and confused and is hoping Janet can offer a way to help her son.For more advice on common parenting issues, please check out Janet's best-selling books on Audible, FREE with a 30-day trial membership if you use this link: adbl.co/2OBVztZ.Paperbacks and e-books are also available at Amazon, Google Play, Barnes & Noble and Apple Books.Janet's exclusive audio series "Sessions" is available for download. This is a collection of recorded one-on-one consultations with parents discussing their most immediate and pressing concerns (www.SessionsAudio.com)Our Sponsors:* Check out BabyQuip and use my code UNRUFFLED for a great deal: http://www.babyquip.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Janet’s daughters share candid memories from their childhoods and consider how Janet's respectful parenting style has influenced their lives as toddlers, teens, and young adults. Using questions submitted to Janet's Facebook page as their guide, the sisters discuss intrinsic motivation, emotional health, independent play, sibling relationships, screen time and more.For more advice on common parenting issues, please check out Janet's best-selling books on Audible, FREE with a 30-day trial membership if you use this link: adbl.co/2OBVztZ.Paperbacks and e-books are also available at Amazon, Google Play, Barnes & Noble and Apple Books.Janet's exclusive audio series "Sessions" is available for download. This is a collection of recorded one-on-one consultations with parents discussing their most immediate and pressing concerns (www.SessionsAudio.com).Our Sponsors:* Check out BabyQuip and use my code UNRUFFLED for a great deal: http://www.babyquip.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explore the empowering journey of parenthood with insights on embracing your role as a confident leader. Discover how a positive mindset not only enhances your parenting experience but also fosters personal growth. Janet emphasizes the significance of parental strength in ensuring children's safety and comfort while nurturing their independence. This conversation is a refreshing reminder to trust ourselves as parents and to extend grace to our own journeys.

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart discusses distinguishing anxiety from normal childhood fears, strategies for alleviating anxiety in children, importance of parent-child communication, and navigating children's emotions to build resilience.

Discover effective strategies for nurturing manners in toddlers while respecting their developmental stages. Learn how to balance setting limits and encouraging self-expression to foster a healthy family environment. Explore the intriguing reasons behind toddlers' reluctance to engage socially and how understanding their perspective can build confidence. This insightful discussion offers guidance on creating a supportive atmosphere that allows little ones to thrive in social interactions without feeling pressured.

Early childhood education specialist, Mr. Chazz, shares strategies for addressing behavior issues in preschool and creating nurturing learning environments. They discuss the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for challenging behaviors. Acknowledgement and partnership between parents and teachers are highlighted, along with the benefits of outdoor activities for children.

A parent seeks advice on handling bedtime meltdowns with her indecisive 3-year-old. The discussion highlights the distinction between meltdowns and tantrums, emphasizing a supportive approach. Listeners learn that emotional outbursts are normal and strategies for a calming bedtime routine are suggested. The challenges of parenting during significant life changes, like welcoming a new sibling, are also explored. The importance of validating children's feelings while maintaining boundaries is emphasized, encouraging parents to trust their instincts.

A parent's struggle with using bribes and threats to manage behavior highlights the pitfalls of such tactics. It explores how these methods can damage intrinsic motivation and relationships. Instead, the conversation emphasizes the power of setting loving boundaries to create security and trust. By shifting focus to honest communication, parents can foster cooperation and emotional healing. It's a journey of moving away from fear-based approaches towards more respectful and effective parenting strategies.

Exploring the dynamics of sibling relationships, the discussion highlights how to foster open communication when toddlers express aggressive thoughts about their younger siblings. Strategies for empathetic parenting are shared, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging feelings and promoting emotional expression. The conversation also delves into the significance of listening to children's inner thoughts during challenging emotional phases, helping parents understand their child's needs without judgment.

A parent grapples with his child's alarming comments about Black individuals, feeling helpless and compelled to respond. The discussion reveals the importance of nurturing open dialogue to address developmental behaviors. Strategies for enriching playtime with educational toys are explored, underscoring the value of audiobooks in sparking imagination. The conversation balances addressing sensitive topics with fostering respect and understanding, guiding parents through complex emotional landscapes.