It’s the most wonderful time of the year…or is that just name of a holiday song? No matter what you’re you’re celebrating this month, there’s sure to be a lot going on. Here’s the equation that happens in homes across America: holiday preparations + high expectations + more to do than usual =stress, power struggles, and other “gifts” of the season!
Rather than be all “coachy” about it (in other words, speak in that impersonal voice of a coach), let me just be real and say that if there were ever going to be …

Straight off, let me apologize to any mompreneurs out there who are rocket scientists (and you know who you are). I don’t have anything against rockets or scientists.  Rather, I just want to say, “Hey, Moms! I know we’re busy, so making ourselves a priority can feel weird. Or just plain guilt-producing. But let’s not make this harder than it has to be, okay?” And for the record, I’m wagging my finger at myself here, too.
Maybe it’s the term “self care.” It sounds kind of clinical and “coach-y.” Like it’s one …

As promised, I’m back with the next post in the “How To Thrive (Not Just Survive) Summer” series. Having your kids home during the summer doesn’t have to mean chaos and stress, but it DOES mean you have to plan ahead. In the previous post, I asked you to get clear on where you are with this summertime issue. Do you dread hearing, “I’m bored?” Are you worried that your kids will argue and ask you to referee? If you work from home as I do, do you wonder how you’ll …

The day started with bang. Or in this case, with a smack.  Our dog, Stanley, decided he wanted to eat breakfast. At 4:30 in the morning. So he whacked my face with his paw. Hard. After muttering a few choice words under my breath (and don’t ask why the dog is in the bedroom in the first place!), I pretended to go back to sleep, hoping the obnoxious mutt would catch a clue. This reminded me of how, a few years ago,  I would pretend to be asleep so my …

If you live in the Seattle, WA area, you’ll be able to see me on Channel 5 KING TV’s Evening Magazine program this evening at 7pm PST. I was interviewed, along with one of my client families, and the segment will be aired tonight.
If you’re not in the Seattle area, or won’t be around at 7pm, you can see the interview right here:

One of the moms I’m coaching sent me an article on moms and stress from the site, Modern Mom. Wow. It didn’t beat around the bush or try to sugar-coat the issue. It didn’t say, “There, there. You have so much on your plate. Of COURSE you’re stressed.” It acknowledged the stress and then said, straight up, that many moms are addicted to stress.  I believe it.
The article goes on to say that a little stress is good. It can “keep you on your toes” and help you tap into …

No matter what winter holidays you celebrate, this season is likely to be full of excitement and expectations. And when you add a challenging child into the mix, life can get overwhelming. Enjoying traditions is one thing that can help create less stress and more peace. At our house, I like to play the same versions of Christmas songs that I grew up with (Kenny Burrell’s “Have Yourself A Soulful Little Christmas” and Elvis’ “Blue Christmas“) to put me in the holiday mood. Just hearing the songs takes me …

It can be so overwhelming to be a mom. And not just any mom, but a mom of a strong-willed child, to boot.  Here’s what comes to mind. Setting limits. Enforcing them. Remaining consistent (remaining? How about starting?). Being aware of temperamental traits so you can set your child up for as much success as possible. Managing temper tantrums and power struggles (your own and your child’s!). That’s not a complete list, but it’s enough! How do you know you’re on the right track in your parenting when there’s so much …