Limit Setting 101

Anyone who works with children must sometimes set limits. But many also struggle with this task. In this post, we discuss what limits are, why they're important, and how to set effective limits. 

Talk About It: A Conversation Starter Kit for Families

Ever have that “Sooo… how was your day?” conversation lull? We’ve all been there. That’s why we created “Talk About It! A Conversation Starter Kit for Families”. This digital download comes with conversation starters, tips for building great conversation, and even a template for a box so you can keep the cards on the table for easy conversation starters any time you’re gathered.  

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

It’s the season of gratitude! And what better way to focus on gratitude than to make it a fun game? Consider a gratitude scavenger hunt. Check out our ideas for how to help kids notice all the many things there are to be thankful for through this simple activity. 

When Kids Will Only Read Graphic Novels

Sound familiar? A child will no longer read anything except graphic novels. Should we care? Is reading considered reading, no matter what? We sat down with Momentous School Librarian, Stevie Lemons, to discuss.

The Number One Way to Raise a Kid Who Reads

Momentous School librarian, Stevie Lemons, shares the number one way to raise a reader...

Reading with Kids: Turning any Book into a Social Emotional Lesson

You don’t need to update your entire children’s home library to have important social emotional conversations about books. Consider these prompts.

How to Have a Conversation with Kids about What They are Reading

Don’t just stop at reading! Take it to the next level by having conversations with your child about what they’re reading. Here are a few conversation starters. 

Six Tips for Getting Reluctant Readers to Read

It’s not always easy to get kids to sit down and read. Here are six tips to help encourage the reader in your child.

Talking with Kids about Uvalde: A Step-by-Step Guide

It’s the conversation no parent ever wants to have. But in light of this week’s tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, parents are once again faced with the agonizing task of explaining violence and tragedy to their children. 

Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis for Kids, Part Four: Sharing the Results with the Child

In this four-part series, we discuss mental health diagnoses for children. In part four, sharing the results with the child.

Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis for Kids, Part Three: Testing and Results

In this four-part series, we discuss mental health diagnoses for children. In part three, the process of testing.

Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis for Kids, Part Two: To Test or Not to Test

In this four-part series, we discuss mental health diagnoses for children. In part two, understanding when to test a child.

Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis for Kids, Part One: Destigmatizing Diagnosis

In this four-part series, we discuss mental health diagnoses for children. In part one, the stigma and fear that surround a mental health diagnosis.  

Four Simple Mental Health Concepts Kids Can Understand

Here are four easy things we can teach kids to help them understand and manage their social emotional and mental health. 

How To Help Kids Manage Impulses

If you’ve spent any time at all with children, you know they can be impulsive. Impulses are natural, and they can be controlled with practice. Consider these tips. 

Empathy in a Time of War

During a time of war, conversations can focus on empathy and shared humanity. Read more...

How to Prepare Yourself for Conversations about War with Kids

Before having a conversation with kids about war, it is important to take care of your own emotions and mental health in order to make the conversations with kids successful.

10 Tips for Talking to Kids about War

Many parents are asking for support on how to talk to kids about the war in Ukraine and what kids are hearing and asking about war. Here are a few of my tips for how to have these conversations with kids. 

Shy or Social Anxiety? How to Tell the Difference

How do we know when someone is experiencing a typical human experience – shyness, introversion – or when they may be suffering from clinical social anxiety? Let’s take a look. 

Family Facts: A Fun Get-To-Know-Each-Other Activity

This free activity book is for families to get to know each other better. Use it this holiday season to spark conversation!

​When Kids are Anxious about Vaccines

Flu season, Covid tests, and now… the Covid vaccine, children everywhere are encountering shots and swabs that might leave some kids anxious or fearful. How can we help kids by making shots and routine medical procedures as easy and painless as possible?

Positive Discipline: The ABCs

Practicing positive discipline can be difficult, especially when a child is misbehaving and you need to correct the behavior immediately. The good news is that we have a tool to help in this type of situation - The ABCs.

When Time Outs Don't Work

If you find yourself hitting a dead end with time outs, it may be time to try something new. Read more about this time out alternative.

Positive Discipline: In The Moment Self-Regulation

Positive discipline, like most things, takes practice and patience. When a child misbehaves, it’s natural to feel upset. In this post we look at three ways you can self-regulate when a child misbehaves.

Managing Competition Between Siblings

Any parent of two or more children is more than familiar with sibling competition. It can be exhausting for parents, but it can provide valuable lessons for children.

Let's Talk About Positive Discipline

Positive and discipline are not two words that you normally see used together. Typically, discipline holds a heavy, negative connotation. However, we can follow three steps to help make discipline both effective and (relatively) painless. 

Three Things to Teach Kids About Feelings

Human beings have a lot of feelings. Knowing what to do with those feelings is what helps us become emotionally intelligent, self-compassionate, resilient human beings. And like many things, this starts young. So today we want to share three things we can teach children about their feelings. 

Goals for the Future

There is a moment, or perhaps many moments, when a parent looks at their child and thinks about what they want for their child’s future. And, most parents, whether consciously or not, have a list of goals for their child in each of these areas. So, today, let’s take time to write out that list.

Tips for Helping Kids Adjust to a New Baby

You just brought home a new little bundle of joy but suddenly your older child is exhibiting all kinds of out-of-character behavior. Here are a few tips to consider when introducing a new child into the family.

What Parents Should Know About Sensory Processing

Everything is new for children, and every new encounter is full of new sensations. In this post, we are going to take a look at the important role our senses and sensory input play in childhood development. 

How to Show Up for a Teenager who Wants Nothing to Do with You

It can be extremely challenging for parents when their precious angel children no longer seem to need them or even want to be around them. What is a parent to do when their child wants nothing to do with them? 

What Parents Should Know About Attachment

We know that attachment is the single greatest predictor of how well a child will do in life. In this post, we take a look at what that means for parents. 

Supporting Parents of LGBTQIA+ Youth

Just as LGBTQIA+ youth are on a journey, so are parents. A parent’s process can show up in different ways depending on the family. In this post, we talk about some of the common phrases we hear from parents plus some tips we encourage parents to consider. 

When Teens Push Back

In the teen years, conflict is normal and to be expected. What parents should consider is to pick conflicts that will be productive. What does that mean? 

How to Help Kids Re-Enter the World After Covid

It can be challenging for kids to adjust back to social gatherings after a year-long break. These tips can help parents with slow-to-warm children re-enter the world. 

Supporting Kids’ Mental Health this Holiday Season

There’s no question that the way we typically celebrate at this time of year will look very different. To make the most of the coming months, clinician Dena Kohleriter offers three tips that can help support children’s mental health as we navigate this time. 

Expressing Gratitude When Things Are Hard

Check out a few ways to practice gratitude with children even when hard things happen.

How to Talk to White Children about Race

White parents must talk to their children about race in order to create a world where these conversations are no longer necessary. Here are a few suggestions on how to explain what is happening in today's headlines. 

School at Home Daily Tip: Don't Forget to Play

With all of the demands of schooling at home, it can be easy to lose sight of one very important thing: play. But we are here to remind you that play is very important. 

School at Home Daily Tip: Don’t Get Caught in Comparison

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to see what everyone else is doing. As a result, we often fall into the comparison trap. We're here to help you get out of that trap.

School at Home Daily Tip: Consult the Kids

Now that we've had some experience working at home with children, it's time to pause and reflect on what's working and what should be changed. Who should you ask to help you reevaluate? The kids!

School at Home Daily Tip: Call On Your Support Network

These days, as we practice social distancing and stay home to the extent possible, support from our network looks different. While calling on support networks is more challenging during this time, it’s also more important than ever. 

School at Home Daily Tip: Park on the Positive

It’s the start of a new week, and many parents have now been schooling at home for a week or more. Let’s take a moment today to pause the juggling and think about the positives. 

School At Home Daily Tip: Practice Emotional Regulation

Schooling at home during a global crisis has mostly likely caused at least one moment of stress or anxiety. This is perfectly natural but it’s also important that we manage our feelings during this challenging time.

School at Home Daily Tip: Create Routines

Kids thrive on routine. They need to know what to expect and what is expected of them. Routines help kids have a sense of control and predictability in their lives. 

School at Home Daily Tip: Scaffold

Builders often use scaffolding to allow workers to reach heights until the structure of the building is secure enough. Similarly, we can use scaffolding to help children increase their knowledge over time. 

School at Home Daily Tip: Check Your Expectations

Each day, we’re sharing tips to help families manage this new reality of school at home. Today’s tip is to check your expectations. 

School at Home Daily Tip: Acknowledge Your Feelings

COVID-19 has rearranged the way we live, and schooling at home is a new demand that thousands of families face. Each day, we'll share something you can do each day to manage anxiety and thrive in this new experience. Today's Tip: Acknowledge Your Feelings.

Prioritizing Self-Care as a Mom and Employee at Home During COVID-19

COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we live, work and experience the world around us as we practice social distancing. Here are three ways I am prioritizing self-care as a full-time parent who is also working full-time from home.

Four Fun Family Activities to Do at Home

The reality of COVID-19 is an unparalleled time in our country’s history to pause, spend quality time with our families and find creative ways to engage our children. Here are some top activities to have fun as a family:

Three strategies for Fun Home Education

Here are some learning strategies to walk through together at home so you don’t just survive with your children, but thrive. 

What I Hope My Children Learn from these Uncertain Times

Social distancing allows children to learn a valuable lesson, maybe one of the most important lessons of their childhood. Read more.

Three Strategies to Survive and Thrive If Suddenly Faced with Homeschooling

In the United States, schools are closing at a rapid pace and parents are in uncharted waters to figure out how to homeschool their children. We’ve got three strategies that will help!

How to Talk to Children About Coronavirus

There’s no question that the Coronavirus COVID-19 is taking over our thoughts and conversations. This has left many parents wondering what they should say – and not say – to their children. Here are a few things to keep in mind in deciding what to share. 

Three Tips for Healthy Sleep

Tired children have a harder time focusing at school, regulating their emotions and interacting with their peers. We have three tips to help your children get healthy sleep.

Three Strategies for Parents to Help Children Achieve at School (Without Homework!)

While homework aids students with repetition exercises and memory, it can often limit evening family time. These three strategies will help children succeed in school without homework.

How to Help Children Celebrate the Differences

Parents understand it is important for children to celebrate the differences of others. Here are a few strategies that can help children value their unique friendships.

Brain Under Construction

When you ask a teenager, "Why did you DO that?" and you get the blank stare -- remember, their brain is still under construction. 

Beware the Four Horsemen

We've adapted Dr. Gottman's Four Horsemen metaphor for working with teenagers. Take a look!

How our Own Attachment Style Impacts our Relationships

How are adult relationships impacted by our childhood attachment style? Read on to learn more. 

Three Strategies to Help Children Feel They Belong

Given its importance, how can we create environments where all children gain a sense of belonging? Here are three strategies that can help:

Equity: Why Talk About It with Children

Every child deserves the opportunity to be successful based on his or her unique gifts and talents, but not every child has equitable opportunities.

Gratitude Garden

Here’s one resolution you can make that will affect your emotional and physical health. It's easy, free, and makes you feel better instantly.

A-B-C Glee

A gratitude notebook full of happy things! What could be better?

Daily Recap

A daily recap is a simple way to add gratitude in at the end of each day.

Are You Grateful?

Gratitude is a learned trait. Are you modeling gratitude?

Three Holiday Strategies for Stressed-Out Parents

Thanks to Norman Rockwell and other idealistic portrayals of the holiday season, expectations for blissed-out perfection run high at this time of year. Reality, however, rarely measures up. Schedules are off, sugar intake is high, and Aunt Thelma is in town… Yikes!

Here are three strategies to help navigate holiday stressors. 

Our Thanksgiving Traditions

We reached out to everyone on the Momentous staff and asked what everyone does in their own families to show gratitude on Thanksgiving. Here are some of the responses.

Anti - "Black Friday"

There’s nothing wrong with a good Black Friday deal, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds this year, we’ve got an Anti- "Black Friday" suggestion for you.

Working with Teens

Six strategies for maximizing the positive aspects of adolescence.

Kindness Calendar

Use a kindness calendar to encourage kids to keep kindness a regular part of their lives.

When Very Young Children Question Gender Identity

Continuing our discussion about gender fluid children, we answer some common questions parents face when they have a very young child questioning their gender identity.

A Parenting Journey Through Gender Questioning

Parents of children who are transgender, gender fluid or gender questioning are on their own journey of acceptance. In this post we discuss that journey and the impact it can have. 

Why We Should Teach Kids About Gratitude

Ever heard the phrase "an attitude of gratitude"? Here's why it's important.

The Most Stressful Time of the Year

This time of year can be downright stressful. Here's how to manage.

On Raising Bi-Racial Children

Minerva Holmes asked her mixed-race family members to weigh in on what it's like growing up bi-racial. Here's what they had to say...

An Airplane Ride

When adults go on an airplane, we understand why we’re lining up, or taking our shoes off. But a 2-year-old might find the whole thing a little crazy.

How (and Why) to Talk to Kids About Race

Race is a topic that many parents shy away from. However, parents must realize that when nothing is said about race, a lot is actually being communicated.  Read more...

Building Excitement for the School Year

It’s back to school season, which means teachers everywhere are setting up classrooms and getting ready for the new year. At Momentous School, August means home visits: a week-long excursion visiting every student in his/her home. Keep reading...

Want more parent involvement? Try a Parent Center.

We’re big on parent involvement at Momentous School. Learn about how we involve families in our school community through our Parent Center. 

Our Most Recommended Books - By Age!

No one has time to read hundreds of books, especially parents! We've narrowed it to one recommended book for each period of adolescence. Plus - our favorite book for kids at each age, too!

Our Favorite Parenting Resources

Making Sense of Sensory Processing

Sensory Processing can be a difficult topic to understand. This guest post from Dr. Jamie Chaves at The Center for Connection takes a deeper look. 

Technology and Parenting

Technology isn't going away, but childhood is. This post is a friendly reminder to put away your phone and be present with your children. 

Make a Choice

This may be the oldest trick in the book, but...

Tantrums!

You're wandering the aisles at the grocery store. Then, it happens. The tantrum. 

Have Fun

Let’s be honest – kids don’t need another boring adult telling them what to do.

Blended Families

In this post, we discuss how to manage romantic relationships when children are involved. Keep reading...

Believe in the Good

If we were to think that the kids were bad or broken, they would know. Read more...

What is Attunement?

There's one very important concept we want everyone to know: attunement. What is attunement, and what do you need to know about it?

Positivity Ratio

We love the idea from Dr. Gottman about the magic ratio of positivity to negativity. 

The YES Challenge

Take the YES challenge with your teenager. Let us know your results!

Your Kid Wants a Cell Phone. Now What?

The time has come. Your child is asking for her own cell phone. What do you do next?

Love Lens

There are really two ways to navigate the world. We can move away from things we fear, or we can move towards things we love.

Flash Forward

It's so easy to get caught up in the daily work of raising teenagers that we forget to look forward. Keep reading...

Flashback

Inside your teenager is the sweet little girl she once was. Take a moment to remember that. 

Avoid Catastrophizing

"If your teenager fails a test, that doesn’t mean she will never go to college. If your teenager gets in a fight, that doesn’t mean he’ll end up in prison." Keep reading...

It's Not Personal

If teenagers have a superpower, it’s the ability to shoot a dagger right where it hurts. Say it with us now. It's not personal. 

Posture of Curiosity

This one tiny step can completely change an interaction with a teenager. 

Worship the Word Count

"How was your day?" "Fine." - Sound familiar? Read on...

The Growing Brain | "How to Talk to Kids about the News" | Animated

From The Growing Brain podcast episode, How to Talk to Kids about the News with Garica Sanford: In today's 24-hour news cycle, it can be difficult to know when - and how - to talk to kids about what is happening. How much is too much? How do we talk about difficult things in an age-appropriate way? How do we respond to their questions? In this episode, we'll look at answers to these questions and more. 

A Healthy Night’s Sleep | The Growing Brain | Animated Clip

An animated clip from the episode A Healthy Night's Sleep from our podcast The Growing Brain! We all know sleep is important. But why? What happens when children sleep? How much do they need? How can we ensure they get quality sleep? Learn all about sleep in this episode with guest Dr. Laura Vogel. 

Home Strategies | Interactive Playful Songs

Songs are an amazing tool to use for connecting with a child! Use these 3 examples of adding some physical interaction to well known jingles, or as a guide to create your own motion to your child's current favorite song!

Home Strategies | Pillow Course

Here's a fun, quick strategy you can do with your little one at home! Using pillows can help with motor skills, balance, and overall connection with your child!

Home Strategies | Blanket Play

Blankets are a great tool for you and your partner to use for building better connection with your child, though, depending on the age or excitement of your child, they can be a little risky. So, it's important to know your child and figure out the best way to use this tool to your advantage!

Webinar | Parenting During a Pandemic: Tools for Supporting Preschool Aged Children

From our May 15, 2020 webinar, Stephanie F. McGary, LPC, RPT and Tara Becker, LMSW discuss parenting tips for sharing COVID-19 news, managing fears and how to keep learning going at home.

Home Strategies | Beep Honk

This fun activity is great for introducing new sounds and words to your little ones! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.

Home Strategies | Cheerios

Use Cheerios for working on fine motor skills with a peanut jar, water bottle, or any container you have! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.

Home Strategies | Puff Balls

Use puff balls for tracking, sensory learning, and as objects to find around the house! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.

Safe Relationships | Students Who Pull Away

Trying to build Safe Relationships with students who pull away is very difficult, but it's important to be consistent. Stephanie McGary talks about ways to pull those kids back in.

Back to School: Parent Prep for Younger Children

Parents, as you're getting your little one prepared for the first day of school, getting yourself prepared is just as important.

Back to School: Parent Prep for Older Children

Parents, the big day is almost here! Here are a few tips to help with your child's transition into the new school year.

Tips for Handling the Summer as a Parent

Summer's can be especially daunting for parents, but we're here to help give a few tips on how to make the most of your child being home over the break.

Vision Statements

We believe that all parents truly want the best for their children and have high hopes and dreams for their futures. At Momentous School, we ask all parents to complete a vision statement for their child. We use these to help guide our students and to refocus on the big picture if things go off-track. We encourage every school to add vision statements to their beginning of the year routine!

Episode 18: Helping Parents Manage Anxiety in Children, Part 2

This episode features therapist Gaby Satarino who dives into the mental health aspect of anxiety. What does social anxiety look like in children and teens, what is behind the behavior, and what can we do about it?

Episode 17: Helping Parents Manage Anxiety in Children, Part 1

In this two-part series, we’ll discuss what anxiety looks like in children, and what we can do to best support children who suffer from anxiety. This episode features guest Dr. Ernie Fernandez, a local pediatrician, about the medical aspect of anxiety – what is happening in the brain, medication, and more.

Episode 16: Helping Kids with Sensory Challenges

Itchy tags, bright lights, loud noises, a constant need to be touched – these can all be signs of children with sensory challenges. Join guest Amelia Baladez to learn more about what parents can know to help manage sensory challenges at home and out in the world.

Episode 15: Understanding Girls

What should parents know about how girls operate in the world? How should we prepare for the teen years? What is important to girls? In this episode we dive into all things girls with guest Tania Loenneker.

Episode 14: Understanding Boys

Certainly all children are different, but there are many commonalities among boys. Diving into all things boys is guest Dr. Matthew Leahy who shares his learning from the past decade of working with boys.

Episode 13: A Healthy Night's Sleep

We all know sleep is important. But why? What happens when children sleep? How much do they need? How can we ensure they get quality sleep? Learn all about sleep in this episode with guest Dr. Laura Vogel.

Episode 12: Managing those Dreaded Tantrums

We’ve all been there. There’s nothing worse than a poorly timed tantrum in the middle of a busy day. But in this episode, we discuss ways to manage tantrums in the moment, and even how to avoid them altogether (at least sometimes!).

Episode 11: Building Sibling Relationships

Two or more kids? This episode is for you. We’re talking about ways to build strong relationships between siblings, how to manage competition, sibling rivalry, and much more.

Episode 10: How to Talk to Kids about the News

In today's 24-hour news cycle, it can be difficult to know when - and how - to talk to kids about what is happening. How much is too much? How do we talk about difficult things in an age-appropriate way? How do we respond to their questions? In this episode, we'll look at answers to these questions and more.

Episode 9: Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children

How can we raise children who are aware of their own feelings and the feelings of others? Looking for simple ways to weave emotional intelligence into your daily life? Look no further.

Episode 8: Effective School Communication

Every parent who sends a child to school deals with appropriate ways to communicate effectively with the school. We talk about parent conferences, how to respond when things aren't going well, and other tips for getting started on the right foot.

Episode 7: Technology & Kids: What You Need to Know

Pre-teen begging for a smart phone? Toddler anxious for more screen time? In this episode, we talk about the good and the bad with technology, including social media, texting, cyber bullying, and more.

Episode 6: Understanding Your Child's Temperament

Each child has his or her own temperament, and each parent does, too. In this episode, we explore different temperaments and how this knowledge can help parents best respond to their children.

Episode 5: How to Help Children Manage Big Changes

Children moving to new homes, switching schools, dealing with a parent's divorce... learn strategies for helping children manage these important moments in their lives.

Episode 4: Making Sense of The Teen Years

Teenagers! There's so much to love, and also… a few things to be curious, worried or just confused about. In this episode, we dive into what's happening in the brain of teenagers, and how parents can respond.

Episode 3: What is Attachment?

The amazing Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of New York Times best-sellers The Whole-Brain Child and No Drama Discipline gives us the run down on attachment. What is it, and why should parents know about it? 

Episode 2: Positive Discipline

We've never met a child who has never misbehaved, so every parent needs to know how to effectively use discipline. In this episode, we learn discipline strategies that help build children's capacity to make good choices. 

Episode 1: The Growing Brain and How it Works

In this episode, we talk all about the brain. How are children's brains wired and developed over time? What should parents know about the growing brain? Learn this and more in the first episode of The Growing Brain.