A listener wants to know if it's OK to always pick up a fussy, needy toddler who always wants to be held? Will this responsiveness perpetuate more neediness and get in the way of building independence? Another mom wants to know how to handle a particular attention-seeking behavior in her toddler once and for all that has waxed and waned for over a year.

It's easy to get overwhelmed in the day-to-day. Pretty soon you're flying by the seat of your pants and can't seem to get your feet under you. How do you switch focus from constantly putting out fires to parenting with more intention? Then sometimes parenting in the short-term is just what the doctor ordered! How do we balance these two? In this episode I cover how to balance short and long term parenting, and relieve some pressure of what some parents think they need to focus on that actually makes life way harder in the short term that doesn't need to be.

Toddlerhood is the first big push for independence and with that often comes defiance. How do we support independence while also setting healthy boundaries? One mom asks for some guidance on dealing with her toddler's defiance, while another asks about how to deal with her toddler's aggression in the form of pinching. Listen to learn how to deal with these two common toddler behaviors!

AI is a fast developing area of technology that will soon touch almost every aspect of our lives. What do our kids need to know to leverage AI for success and not get left behind? AI can do a lot and will take over in many areas. But there are many things it cannot do as well as humans. Those who have the skills will poised to benefit greatly from the AI revolution. This episode covers what AI is, how it is currently being used, the future of AI and the skills our kids need to thrive in this new environment.

Kids will refuse to do all kinds of things we ask of them, greeting others is only one of many! How do we first get to the reason and then guide based on both their feelings and level of comfort and our expectations for politeness or independence (depending on the situation?) Having expectations for behavior is good, but it can also be a fine line to walk, especially in some situations (such as greetings) Then how can a parent deal with ALL the hitting? All hitting channel, all the time! Listen to find out! If you have a question you'd like answered, send an email to support@yourvillageonline.com

Discord between siblings is normal. But what do you do when it escalates to aggression or a level of conflict that is out of alignment with your family values? In this episode, I answer a question from a mom of toddlers about what's going on between her toddler and preschooler, why the behavior is happening, and how to fix it so everyone can feel safe and supported at home during their independent play.

In last of this 3 part series, Erin dives deeper with examples and communication strategies that align with the goals of meeting children's needs for safety/security, and love and connection when dealing with adult issues that you may or may not decide to share with your children such as severe illness and death, adult relationship tension/strain, financial strain or other adult issues that a parent/parents are dealing with. The tactics illustrate exactly how to approach these types of concerns, what kids need most from us and how and what to consider in your unique situation, your values and your child's maturity and development.

In this episode, Erin dives deeper with examples and communication strategies that align with the goals of meeting children's needs for love and connection and a strong sense of self/self-esteem when dealing with common issues such as lying and teaching apologies and empathy. The tactics illustrate exactly how to approach these types of concerns, what is happening in kids' minds when they lie, or struggle to apologize so you can guide in ways that are most effective in maintaining a loving bond and your child's self-esteem while helping them learn why and how to tell the truth and give a proper heart-felt apology.