I have stood beside a screaming toddler while bouncing a crying baby in a checkout line at the store. I am satisfied with my parenting approach, yet I admit that some part of me does care about the opinions of others.

What helps you when parenting in public?

It's important for me to help my children develop empathy. I believe it makes for a more peaceful home.

How do you help your child learn empathy during moments of stress?

My nighttime routine begins when my kids go to bed and I can get time to myself.

Which of your routines brings you the most balance right now?

Sometimes I struggle when my child is angry or having a tantrum in public or won't go to bed when I am exhausted and frustrated.

What helps you to stay calm and able to respond sensitively to your child in a moment of frustration?

For me, early separation and divorce were messy and complicated.

How do you support your child's relationship with their other parent?

My toddler daughter has recently started pulling my hair. I’ve read a lot of online discussions about parents using timeout to discipline their children, but I’ve also read about time-in.

What moments during your day do you use time-in in how you guide your child's behavior?

One year, two years, five years, 10 years...just what is the ideal spacing between siblings?

Sibling spacing and birth order aside, the most influence on whether our children form close relationships with one another is how we parent.

My toddler, Jacob, is now 2 years and 2 months old. He breastfeeds several times a day, especially at naptime or at night.

If you breastfed, how did weaning go for you? What do you feel when you find yourself looking back on breastfeeding? What do you enjoy about your relationship with your child now?

In front of the wood-burning stove, well into winter, we began our typical summer vacation daydreaming. We settled at last on a cross-country road trip to see family.

What car ride activities do you offer your children?

Summer vacation will have both terrible and wonderful moments. When we know that both will happen, and that we can lead our children by responding thoughtfully to the circumstances that present themselves to us, we can look forward to this season.

When did your child have an opportunity to release his pent-up frustrations? What quick list of expectations can you offer your child the next time you are about to enter a stressful situation?

The core of our parenting is responding to our children with sensitivity.

However you chose to feed your baby, how do you respond with sensitivity to your baby?

Summertime can bring a variety of opportunities to connect with our children and enjoy new experiences together. 

What are your favorite summertime activities to do with your child? Is there an activity that just isn't jiving with your family that you need to let go of?