For a long time, I had this idea that parents shouldn’t get mad.

I’m not sure where that belief came from. My own parents certainly got angry with me sometimes—and, honestly, some of my teenage antics probably deserved it.

I’m married to a sales manager whose job comes with long hours and frequent out-of-state travel. When he’s on the road, he leaves before the sun is up and comes home days later, long after the kids are asleep.

It sneaks up on me fast. One minute everything feels fine, and the next, my thoughts are spiraling in an exhausting cycle of guilt.

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?

Every unwanted behavior has a reason. When the “No!”s start ramping up, I ask myself one more question: How much time have I really spent with her lately?

When did you spend time together with your child this week?

It seems too good to be true, but there are ways to reduce power struggles with our children without sacrificing respect, limits or your child's confidence.

Listen in on one of our classic podcasts: a timeless and encouraging conversation with educational therapist and licensed family counselor Susan Stiffelman giving lessons learned on tips for a house filled with more laughter, sweeter connection and less struggle.

From dance camp to cooking class to swim team, drop-off activities can be such a fun experience for my kids. The drop-off part, though? That’s where things can get tricky.

What helps your child through the drop-off at a new activity?

When I was pregnant with my second child, I wondered as I think most second-time parents do about how my firstborn would react to having a sibling.

Where in your day do you squeeze in play time with your child?

Before I became a mom, I used to hear parents talk about the “terrible twos,” and honestly, I had no idea what they were talking about.

Now that my baby is almost 2, I get it. There are moments when her tantrums completely overwhelm me. There are times when I honestly don’t know what to do.

Mindfulness is a way of being present in our lives that can help us develop greater balance, empathy, and clarity.

Listen in on this timeless classic of a podcast -- an encouraging conversation with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and Myla Kabat-Zinn about bringing greater mindfulness to both the joys and trials of parenting.

My gut reaction is often to feel annoyed when my son says "I can't," and I have to remember to take a moment before responding. I take a couple extra breaths and remind myself that what my son is feeling is normal. Adults do the same thing! When a woman is in labor, it's common to hear her say, "I can't do this anymore!" and for her support person to respond, "but you're already doing it!"

We all feel like we can't sometimes. Is it more helpful to hear someone respond exasperatedly or with an offer to help?

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?