The Innovative Dad
A psychologist’s blog about raising and educating children through the lens innovation.
Taming Tantrums and Triumphing Over Troubles: The Marble Jar System
Parenting can be challenging, especially when dealing with a spirited child who struggles with emotional regulation, focus, and physical boundaries. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many parents face similar struggles, and thankfully, there are effective...
Level Up Your Parenting: The “Do-Over” Power-Up
Imagine playing a challenging video game. You encounter a tricky obstacle, maybe a particularly fierce enemy or a complex puzzle. Do you give up? Of course not! You try again, maybe with a different strategy, or perhaps you even consult a walkthrough. In other words,...
Pad Thai
This has quickly become a staple in our house. It reheats easily and the leftovers can make a great lunch! Ingredients for the Noodles 16 ounces whole wheat spaghetti or other thin pasta 4 tablespoons oil 6 cloves of garlic, minced or 3 teaspoons of chopped garlic 2...
Understanding Choice vs. No-Choice: Nurturing Independence and Structure
In the intricate dance of parenting, one of the subtle yet significant factors is understanding when to offer choices and when to set clear boundaries. Choice and no-choice activities play pivotal roles in shaping a child's development, fostering independence, and...
The Family Dinner: How Spending More Time at the Dinner Table Can Encourage Kids to Eat Healthier
As parents, we often struggle to ensure that our children eat healthily. In today's fast-paced world, it is common for children to be busy with extracurricular activities or to eat on-the-go. However, research has shown that spending more time at the dinner table can...
How to Use Popular Board and Card Games to Support Emotional Regulation
Learning emotional regulation is serious business, but it doesn’t have to be boring! This post explores how board and card games can be a fun and effective way to teach kids how to manage their emotions in healthy ways.
How to Use Co-Regulation with Children Who Are Having Difficulty with Self-Regulation
As parents or caregivers, we all want our children to develop strong self-regulation skills that enable them to manage their emotions and behavior effectively. However, some children struggle with self-regulation, and this can lead to challenging behaviors and...
5 Years Out: Reflections on Talking to Kids about Cancer
Talking to children about a loved one’s cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. But remember, age-appropriate honesty is key! Just like putting together a puzzle, clear communication helps them understand the situation and feel more secure.
Chocolate Angel Pie
There are a couple variations on this pie. Most call for Cream of Tartar. Ingredients: For crust: 4 egg whites, at room temperature1 cup plus 2 tbsps sugar1 tsp potato starch1 tsp distilled white vinegar3/4 tsp Vanilla extract Filling: 2 ounces unsweetened...