by Amelia | Jul 31, 2017 | blog
“Scatter-brained… Head in the clouds… Forgetful…” “Oh, Amelia. You would lose your head if it weren’t attached.” Aww, what a fun, adorable thing to say to a child. In other words, “Child, you have no self-management skills, and that endangers you on a daily basis....
by Amelia | Jul 24, 2017 | blog
Let’s talk about oppositional and defiant behaviour. What does it look like? Well, here are some words that people use to describe this type of behaviour: As you can see from this list, oppositional and defiant behaviour goes beyond the usual complaining or...
by Amelia | Jul 17, 2017 | blog
For parents looking to understand the “why” of problem behaviour, the internet is bursting with sources promising “One Simple Phrase” or “50 Easy Ways” to help solve those problems. Why, then, do so many families continue to...
by Amelia | Jul 11, 2017 | blog
You’re exhausted. You’ve googled every strategy under the sun. You’re losing hope… I’ve been there. I’ve stood there and felt completely unqualified as a parent, let alone a behaviour consultant. If you’re at the end of your rope, I have something for you to try. It’s...
by Amelia | Jul 6, 2017 | blog
*smash* *pterodactyl scream* When I think back to my son’s toddler milestones, there were a few that seemed out of reach for a long time. Sometimes literally. Remember those block towers you saw on Pinterest? Those age and development charts on Babycenter.com? I...
by Amelia | Jul 6, 2017 | blog
Reward charts can be such an incredible tool for families, but they work best when you can take a few things into account. define the behaviour really clearly work on baby steps add some reminders to improve your chances of success select smart rewards If you have a...
by Amelia | Jun 11, 2017 | blog
The Sensory Connection My mouse moves across the desk like a OUIJA pointer toward a Facebook tab. My legs leap out of my chair and propel me toward the kitchen. I come back with a steaming mug of tea, but a moment later, I’m sniffing out a bag of sour candy, just in...
by Amelia | Jun 4, 2017 | blog
Look children! Values! Let us learn some. I’m a behaviourist, so what am I doing, trying to write about values? Aren’t they abstract, airy-fairy things, and thus out of my realm? Aren’t they impossible to teach to children who are non-verbal or who...
by Amelia | May 27, 2017 | blog
“I tried and I tried and I didn’t give up!” When my 5-year-old son said this out loud the other day (brand new yo-yo in hand and very little aptitude or previous experience), I just about did back-flips. I’ve been quietly brainwashing (ahem, I...
by Amelia | May 21, 2017 | blog
We all want our children to be independent and resourceful, but not necessarily 100% of the time. Sometimes they need help with problem-solving. It’s tough when your little DIY-expert resists your best advice and ignores your words of wisdom, preferring to learn...
