Setting limits with kids often feels like a never-ending power struggle. You set a rule, they push back. 

The secret to making limits stick isn’t just consistency—it’s about clarity, connection, and brain science. Research from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child shows that young brains are still developing the self-regulation skills needed to manage emotions and behaviors. That means kids need structure, not just discipline.

As a child development expert and mother, I often find myself balancing professional insights with the very raw realities of parenting. Mornings can be a pain point in my house, I’m not going to lie. Especially with a new baby in the home, I’m more tired and slightly less patient. Here’s a very real example of a tough morning in my house.

Language shapes how we understand and interact with the world, and when it comes to learning disabilities, the words we choose matter. Should we say “a child with a learning disability” or “a learning disabled child”? While it might seem like a subtle distinction, the impact can be significant.

Tantrums - one minute your toddler is happily munching on a snack, and the next, they’re on the floor, screaming like their world just ended—because you took their plate/toy/blanket/ away. If this sounds familiar, I promise you, you’re not alone.

Here’s the deal: tantrums aren’t bad behavior and your toddler isn’t trying to push your buttons or ruin your day. They’re doing exactly what their developing brain is capable of when they don’t get their way

Parenting is one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences—but it’s also messy, unpredictable, and often exhausting. If you're feeling like you’re constantly trying to figure things out as you go, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. And that’s exactly why I do what I do.

A tantrum in a child between the ages of 1-5 is typically triggered by frustration, unmet desires, or a need for control. While tantrums are normal (and appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development) they are exhausting for all parties involved.

Here are some of the most common triggers for tantrums in this age range…

Parenting is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. As a child development expert, professor, and parent myself, I understand that every family is unique, with its own rhythms, strengths, and challenges. That’s why my approach is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and practical strategies that align with your family’s values and goals.