Why I don’t discipline my daughter

For a little while now I’ve wanted to write about why I hate the word “discipline” when used in reference to something parents to do their children, and why I am increasingly rejecting the notion that as parents we need to discipline our children at all. And yes, I’m even including “gentle discipline” in this…

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The Peaceful Home: Inner Work and Parenting Triggers

Last month in The Peaceful Home we were exploring inner work, mindset, and mindfulness for parents. As the days grow darker and nights get longer, I am feeling a real sense of drawing inwards, of craving space for reflection and meditation, carving out time to read, plan, and ponder, and really focus on my own…

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The Peaceful Home IX: Three common parenting issues and how to approach them

I receive a lot of messages and emails asking for support on how to parent peacefully whilst navigating challenging situations. Here are three common parenting issues and some thoughts on how to approach them.  “My son just will not cooperate in the mornings. It’s a fight to get him dressed each day, and getting him…

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The Peaceful Home Part VIII: Help! Gentle parenting isn’t working

An issue that I often come across on peaceful parenting forums and threads goes something like this: “I am a gentle parent. I don’t punish or bribe, I try my best to keep calm, and I have a strong connection with my child. When they act in a way that is unacceptable, I am loving…

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The Peaceful Home part V: 10 reasons I don’t use punishments (and what I do instead)

I am often asked about my view on punishments, and why we don’t use them. I hope this blog post sheds some light on why we choose not to use punishments and aim for a gentler, more respectful path when it comes to discipline. Ten reasons why I don’t use punishments: 1. I choose to…

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The Peaceful Home Part II: Stepping away from “no” + what to do if it is necessary

I usually encourage parents to listen to their instincts when it comes to their children. When working with pregnant women, I suggest that the most important thing they can do is to listen to their bodies and trust their gut feelings (these are rarely wrong – hence why most midwives will tell women that they…

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The Peaceful Home Part I: Creating “yes spaces”

A “yes space” is simply a space where you don’t feel like you have to always be saying “no”, “don’t touch” and “don’t climb” to your children. Creating “yes spaces” in your home allows everyone to feel more relaxed. Your children are free to touch, explore, move, climb, and look after their own needs, and…

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