Right now, the custom of hanging out with friends is new to both my daughter and me. I have to find new ways of relating with Elia and setting boundaries to protect family time while respecting her time with friends and nurturing her growing self-autonomy. 

What are the milestones and transition points your family has celebrated this month?

The evenings can be a challenge. My 7-year-old son and I don't always have the same wants or needs at the same time. It's easy to lose connection with each other.

How does your family enjoy playful time together?

Ever since my daughter was born, my favorite part of the day is bedtime and not because it provides me with much-needed rest. 

What is your favorite time of day with your children? In what special way do you enjoy moments of closeness with your child?

There is something so fun about watching my older children mimic my parenting approach with their younger siblings.

What benefits do your children get from having siblings, even if they don’t always get along? What are moments of connection they do have?

The myth of perfect parenting is so pervasive that even Martha Sears, coauthor of more than 25 parenting books, was tempted to believe it!

Join in on listening into this touching and intimate discussion with Martha about the challenges of motherhood and how she learned to embrace the imperfections of real-life parenting.

Although at times we feel alienated when caring for a young child, we do not parent in a vacuum. 

Who supports you in your parenting goals?

Each of my children were carefully and lovingly planned, but the moment that pregnancy test turned out positive, the excitement was immediately mixed with worry and doubt: I was doing the right thing for my family, right? 

When my first daughter was born, I was young, newly married, and living in a new city with no friends and no family. Even though my husband was and always has been very supportive, I knew I needed help.

Who gives you the support you need to be the parent you want to be?

I have a new baby in my family. He is now 17 months old. My last baby was born 10 years earlier. The baby before this baby was born two years prior to my second. My older children are ages 11 and 13.

How do you follow your child's lead in your parenting?

My 5-year-old is happy as long as she's around me. As a baby, she would spend all day content in a sling that I wore.

In what way is your child lovingly unique? How can you let your child know you love and appreciate him or her?

How often are you off in another world when you are with your child? We all struggle to give our children enjoyable, undivided time together with us.

Let's begin by taking a deep breath.

My nearly 3-year-old daughter knows what she wants and wants it "right now, Mama, right now!" She has also been involved in some "push and shove" dialogues with other children. The immediacy of her needs is expressed verbally with as much drama and whine as she can muster and is occasionally punctuated with a push or kick, especially when the other person isn't doing what she wants.

How do you help your child resolve a playdate misunderstanding?