Mary’s four-year-old son Sawyer is constantly interrupting. Even though he has been taught ways to do so politely, his interruptions are no less distracting. How can Mary lovingly let him know both that he is a priority for her and that he needs to wait his turn?

Today, I talk with Mary about what is likely behind Sawyer’s behavior. We talk about his want to be included and prioritized, and we talk about ways Mary and her husband can provide these things for him without shirking their other responsibilities. I suggest that Mary and her son design a sign together to let him know when she’s busy and he should be doing something else. We talk about the value of signals and healthy boundaries, and I note the distinction between “but” and “and”. We discuss ways Mary can give Sawyer her full attention, even if it means limiting the time she’s on call for work. We also note the value of scheduling time together.

• The want for attention and engagement
• The value of predetermined signals
• “And” vs. “But”
• Navigating less pre-planned busy situations
• Making your child feel like a priority
• The importance of schedules

If you want to reduce the everyday stress and anxiety that inevitably come with parenting and learn to be a happier and more relaxed parent, then this is the place for you.

Here, you can listen in on real sessions with parents who open up about the specific challenges they face with children from 2 to 22. Listen along and gain perspectives and strategies to help you parent with sanity and joy.

Don’t forget to pick up my book, Parenting with Sanity and Joy: 101 Simple Strategies, which includes my Nine Golden Rules of Parenting.

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