Alma Poljarevic, PhD, LPC, LMFT

Spanking, threats, yelling, timeouts. They can work in the moment. They can stop that bad behavior in its tracks right then and there. Why? These punishme...nt-based discipline techniques elicit fear. When a child, or even an adult, is afraid, they go into fight, flight or freeze mode: They stop in their tracks - freeze. Or kick and hit you on their way up to their punishment - fight. Or try to run away from you - flight. But, did you know that research shows punishment-based discipline such as spanking actually causes MORE unwanted behavior? Yep, if you feel stuck in an endless cycle of yelling/disciplining only to come across MORE bad behavior the next day, you're not alone. You're not a bad parent. Your kid is not a bad kid. We just need to shift the strategy. We're rejecting the old school way of punishment-based discipline and going with research baby! When we discipline in a way that protects our kids' self esteem, and boosts confidence and connection? That's where the magic happens. Short term It's actually a more effective strategy to get those unwanted behaviors to stop. Hitting, not throwing food on the ground, sharing, speaking respectfully. When we discipline while still making our kids feel seen, heard, and important: We avoid the shame and the fear all together. That's where the behavior starts to shift. Long term Someday, when your little babe is a big kid, or a teenager, or an adult out in the world and makes a mistake, you'll be the first person they will call, knowing you will rush to their side. Knowing that while you don't agree with the mistake, that there is nothing to fear. That you see them beyond the mistake, that you love them unconditionally, and that you're on their team. Do you need help disciplining in a way that is both firm, effective AND protects our kid's self esteem? We have a whole discipline module in our course, "Winning the Toddler Stage," that teaches you exactly how and when to discipline your kid in a way that WORKS. Link in bio See more

https://www.everydayhealth.com//chaos-at-the-capital-how-/

As we enter a new school year, do you worry about your child’s confidence and happiness? EFT Tapping, also simply known as Tapping, can help rewire the brain t...o respond in healthier ways, and restore the body’s balance of energy. And it works for kids, too! Tapping allows children of all ages to release stress, anxiety and other negative emotions that they’re dealing with on a daily basis. For a short time, I’m offering my children’s book, Gorilla Thumps & Bear Hugs, as my gift to your family - just pay $7.95 S+H! This book, and the easy-to-learn tapping technique taught in it, can change you and your child's life forever. Here’s what Amazon customers (4.6 out of 5 stars!) have to say: I've used Tapping regularly on my 2.5-year-old granddaughter. When she's struggling with anxiety or inability to calm down, I ask if I can tap on her, and she always says yes, because it always helps! It's quite amazing! Our 7 year old loves this book and finds the tapping to be very soothing. Puts her right to sleep. Get your free copy here! -> https://go.thetappingsolution.com/gorilla-thumps-bear-hugs-

little therapy humor, except in this case I’d be the client

"Tapping on meridian points on the body, derived from acupuncture, can release energy blockages that cause negative emotions." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3XiDmhrxLk

To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. Eleanor Roosevelt I love this quote that my client shared with me today.