How about a cuddle?

Parents need to become experts at defusing situations. I am guilty of always using a screen or a snack to temper a tantrum, so I love a good parenting hack that does something more wholesome! A favourite piece of advice I was given when the little one starts kicking off, is to offer them a choice, it still (occasionally) works.

Miniblog courtesy of @DrGBuckingham

Like parenting, this is really about the kids - but tell us a little something about yourself

I am an academic psychologist in the South West of England

How old are your kids?

Two boys, 5 and 8

What is your favourite parenting hack?

Currently finding that a cuddle, even if not in the mood to, is becoming the best way to defuse a situation, particularly with my eldest (calms us both down!)

What do you find most difficult as a parent?

I spend a lot of time worrying about whether my kids are happy, particularly at school and with their friends

What never fails to bring you joy as a parent?

Watching my kids play together, and seeing their little moments of empathy for one another and their general desire to make one another smile

a side note

These posts serve partly as therapy for me, and partly in hopes that the words will resonate with you and help build a community of parents and friends that can support each other. Take a look around the website, and join if you want to see more.