Author: Brandy Baker

social connection

Building the Village: 4 steps to social connection

Many would argue that technology has made instant connection to others increasingly easy. Yet, in the last two decades, the amount of people reporting that they don’t have a trusted...

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Fidgeting, Wiggling, Doodling: 3 reasons to encourage these ‘naughty’ behaviors at school

Remember a few years ago when fidget spinners were a big deal? If your child is the right age, you may have even been one of the families on the...

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Your Child Needs a Purpose

There are things I spend a fair amount of time worrying about in my professional work. As a psychologist and director of a child and family wellness center, I worry...

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The Emphasis on Self Care is Shaming Moms

Once upon a time, families of the neighborhood looked out for one another’s kids; sent a casserole down the street when their neighbor was down on their luck; called upon...

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Mother Nature’s Parenting Tips

I have always been an observer. This tendency doesn’t stop with people-watching. As a child, I was fortunate enough to live near a nationally-ranked well-funded zoo. For a period of...

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The Child Who Doesn’t Conform

When a child responds with immediate compliance to a parent’s request, it certainly seems to make the day go smoother. If the kids on the playground all run with the...

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The Bounce-Back Kid: 3 steps to a happy and resilient child

When you ask any parent off the street what they want for their kids, my guess is that at least 9 out of 10 would say they want their kids...

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3 Ways Your Attachment with Your Child Is Impacting Their Behavior

About 70 years ago, the psychiatrist Dr. John Bowlby made a surprising revelation about mental health. He stated that it is dependent on each of us experiencing a “warm, intimate...

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8 Steps to Reaching a Goal

It’s the New Year! A clean slate. Many of us approach the New Year with BIG DREAMS. We might even set goals. But if you are anything like me, you may...

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‘Tis the Season for Sensory Overload

It's a time of year that can certainly overwhelm the senses for many of us-- flashing lights littering many lawns and homes, Christmas music blasting from department store speakers, crowds......

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An Attitude of Gratitude for the Whole Family

Halloween is over and November has arrived. With it comes cooler days, longer nights and the winter holiday season rapidly approaching. This time of year, many of us struggle with feeling there is too...

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Do This and Find Your Parenting Mojo Again

Dear Experienced Caregivers, I am of the belief that we have a crisis on our hands. And this is important. Parenting is not living up to the expectations many of...

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Helping Your High Schooler Transition to College

  Whether your child is approaching legal adulthood or still has several years to go, if you told me that you hadn’t once thought about college or their adult years,...

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Your Inattentive & Restless Child

As a parent I know how important it is to be able to read your child’s signs. While you may have been able to know what each cry was asking...

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Child-Directed Play

Let Them Play (and Get Out of the Way)!

When you’re a busy parent or caregiver with errands to run, mouths to feed, and work to do, allowing for time for play might seem pretty low on the priority...

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Creating Calm by Creating Routines

School is ending and summer’s here! Children are excited and may be looking forward to no homework, sleeping in, and more freedom! As parents you might be worried about what...

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alternatives to punishment

Go Under the Behavior Before You Punish

Calm, consistent structure in your home helps your child to feel secure and know what is expected. Ultimately, this will lead most kids to success in most situations. But even the...

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Power Struggles

Stop Power Struggles, Make Peace with Your Child

It's 7:21 am, you have exactly four minutes until you HAVE to leave the house. Your child finally walks to the front door, "ready" to go... with NO shoes. You...

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ASD, Autism Awareness,

ASD Girls: It is only a special part of who you are

As a sister to a person with autism, I feel very fortunate to be able to write this post during the month of April—Autism Awareness Month! Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)...

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3 Ways to Create Energy from Within

It's impossible to nurture and bring joy to our children when we, ourselves, are depleted. Yet feeling strong, vibrant and alive, even in the face of the energy and time...

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