Balanced.
Intentional.
Guided.
WELCOME!
I’m so excited to be setting up a website and blog as I am finishing up my book Parenting B.I.G. (Balanced. Intentional. Guided). I hope to have an interactive site where I can answer questions, discuss issues and talk about parenting, taking time for ourselves, building strong relationships, setting reasonable expectations and parenting in a balanced, intentional and guided manner.
My basic parenting philosophy is one of acceptance, understanding and accountability. I feel we are a combination of nature and nurture and a parent’s job is to facilitate and Guide each child’s unique development into their best self, however that presents.
It takes purposeful Intention to identify personal and family priorities, manage our time wisely, assess each situation, communicate effectively, establish guidelines with consequences and maintain a healthy Balance in every aspect of our lives.
Parenting B.I.G.- Balanced. Intentional. Guided.
The book is written in a workbook format with easy short segments to address parenting in a well thought-out way to help guide our kids in a calm and balanced manner. Caregivers are more effective when we work collaboratively and are able to provide loving structure for children to safely explore and develop.
We want kids to unfold, think for themselves, learn from experience and grow to be good citizens, all while trusting we are parenting the best we can. We want to support each other, feel confident, change direction as needed and celebrate each unique family.
Blog Posts
Let’s talk about balanced, intentional and guided parenting ideas.
Have a Parenting Question -- Ask MaryCatherine!
Dear MaryCatherine,
My 4 year old is a biter and I need help to get them to stop. They bite not only when they are mad but even when they are playing or happy. I'm worried about their biting especially as they are starting preschool. What do I do??
-- Biter Battle
Dear Biter Battle,
Babies put everything in their mouths to explore and understand the world around them. Most kids grow out of it as mobility and function develop. The best way to stop a biting habit is to address it as soon as it starts. Even a baby who bites at the breast can be redirected and told "no biting". Most times gentle warnings work but if your child continues to bite then investigate if they are biting to get attention, are they limited or overwhelmed sensory-wise, or they may need help finding others productive ways to express themselves. At 4 years old a habit is forming, so it's important to address it immediately. Consistently say "no biting" sternly and use time out or loss of a favorite toy to reshape the behavior. Also, they are old enough to understand that biting hurts others and that is unacceptable. Reward good behavior and encourage using their mouth to talk and not bite. --MaryCatherine
