Proactive Parenting with Deanna Marie Mason PhD

Everyone knows that social media is highly edited. Only the best photos make the cut and normally only positive status updates are shared. Displaying overly-perfect images alerts people that it’s just too good to be true. This can cause feelings of distrust, envy or aggression if people feel you are creating separation, which is the opposite of what we should be doing with social media. We should want to create connection because connection helps us reduce stress and anxiety.Allowing real life to be present in social media keeps you and your contacts close. When we share both positive and negative aspects of life online, and everything in between, more realistic relationships can be fostered and maintained. This leads to real closeness and strengthened bonds of friendship and kinship. If we are worried about sharing the negative stuff online, remember that our phones still work and we can give a good friend or family member a call to talk about the touch stuff.Of course, being honest to ourselves is also really important. We are perfect just as we are. Our family is perfect just as they are. There is no reason to present ourselves or our family differently. You and I, and our families, are exactly where we are supposed to be in this moment. We need to let go of the need for perfection.This is the final episode of Season 1. Please feel free to go back and listen to any episodes you may have missed. It would be so helpful if you dropped us a note or review so we know if this podcast is meeting your needs. You can email comments or questions to me at deanna@proactiveparenting.com. The feedback we receive will help us structure Season 2 content. Thank you in advance for your help!Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode concentrates on how families can use traditions to strengthen family bonds while communicating values to children. Traditions, both the big ones as well as the day-to-day ones, teach our children about what family looks and behaves like. Both types are useful because they mark different times circuits. Holiday traditions mark the calendar year while day-to-day traditions create a routine and flow in a family. These are important because they are something kids can rely and depend on.Traditions are sets of activities that are repeated on a regular schedule and can be used to mark the rhythm of the day, week, month, and year. We can define and customise our family traditions in a manner that we find appropriate for our family because, ultimately, these traditions communicate our family's values. They show what is important and why those things are important to us. Yet, the best part about traditions is the ability to carry them with us no matter what is happening because they are activities that are most often done at home. We can all use traditions can make our homes a “safe zone” where we can maintain control of what is happening in our lives. Ultimately, this instills a sense of family, values, and belonging, especially with children.So, check out this episode to learn more about the power of traditions in supporting a strong family unity.New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

Most parents are familiar with spending a lot of time and money searching for gifts that after being unwrapped and briefly explored, end up in the back of a closet, tucked into a toy box, or simply discarded.  Most of the highly advertised, “top toys,” or “must have gifts” are  just marketing successes sold to children and parents rather than meeting anyone’s real desires or needs. It's hard not to fall prey to savvy marketing and repeated advertising. It’s difficult to overcome the persuasive influence that advertising firms have, even if you are watching for it. And it is virtually impossible for our little ones to avoid being influenced by what they see in commercials, product placements in their favorite YouTube videos, and pop-up ads while hanging out online. And for us, as parents, it’s hard not to get your kid what everyone else has. There is real peer-pressure amongst parents too. So, this episode has been developed with all of these influences in mind and as a way to offset some of the pressures we feel during this season of celebration and gift giving. To give toys or gifts that our children will play with throughout the year and look back on fondly when they are older (you know those toys you still keep from your childhood because you can’t bear to separate from them?),  we have to really pay attention to development. If we evaluate if our child has the ability to manipulate the toy, interact with it without becoming frustrated, and still explore and expand their understanding while playing, well, then we have hit the ball out of the park. Keep listening to find out recommendations for all ages and stages from babies to adolescents so you can avoid the pitfalls of gift giving and really surprise your child with a wonderful gift this holiday season.New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

When we talk about new parents, there is a tendency to focus on the moms and babies. Dads often get dismissed or pushed to the sidelines. But today, dads are more involved with their children than in previous generations.  New research is showing that dads do better psychologically and are more confident in their role function if they get involved right away, during the first year of their baby’s life. This episode explores this issue more to see how fathers can positively influence the health and well-being of their infants, their partners, and, as an added bonus, themselves. New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

In this episode, we explore the data and research being conducted on when solid foods should be introduced to infants as well as how and when foods are introduced influence food allergy development. The information  covered draws heavily from the American Academy of Pediatrics and  Centers for Disease Control as well as the European Paediatric Association.  Additionally, discussion of two new research studies published in October on the development of food allergies in relation to infant food introduction are also reviewed to gain insight on how recommendations are evolving based on new data.New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is based on new research about how the risk of cyberbullying is increasing because our children are spending more time online for learning and socialising.  While we can't change how our children's education is being conducted during these uncertain times with COVID-19, we can support and monitor them to reduce the negative effects of cyberbullying.Topics included in this episode revolve around the issue of bullying in general for those who are victims of bullying, for those children who are the aggressors, and for all the kiddos who witness these acts. I review the consequences to each of these groups and address the importance of teaching values, especially empathy, and guiding our children to understand and self-regulate their emotions as a means to reduce the frequency and severity of bullying in modern society.In addition to this information, practice advice on how to monitor, support and guide children of all ages is offered to help parents start helping their children today.New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is was inspired by a listener question about why some children scream all the time. So I've taken this issue and broken it down into the two main reasons that children learn to scream - they are accidentally taught as small infants to scream as a way to interact with parents or children are frantic for connection with their parents to help them deal with strong emotions.During this episode, I explain how accidental parenting can lead to a screaming child even though that was not the goal. And, if a child is searching for connection with their parent by screaming, I delve into how an insecure attachment can motivate little ones to scream in a frantic attempt to get some connection with their parents. Luckily, the solution to both of these causes is to focus on creating a secure attachment and guide screaming children towards more emotionally healthy ways to express their needs and get comfort.The information in this episode is heavily based on Attachment Theory by John Bowlby and the aspects of cognitive and emotional child development. Listeners will finish the episode with new understanding about why children develop screaming habits and what parents can do to move their child towards healthier behaviours.New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

In this episode we are going to talk about the importance being proactive in discussing race and racism with children.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has made a new recommendation that parents proactively engage with children about racism because racism affects all children, both directly and indirectly.The information explored in this episode is based on the policy statement of the AAP titled "Racism and Its Impact on Child and Adolescent Health" as well as developmental theory. while this issue may be a sensitive topic for many families, the purpose of the episode is to  spark reflection and to empower parents to know that they have the capacity and tools to shape how their children learn about race.New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is based on new research about how snacking can undermine healthy behaviours, like sport participation. Researcher have compared the number of calories that children consume after sporting activities to the number of calories that they burned while playing. They found that children are eating and drinking more calories from their snacks than what they are expending while playing. These findings are discussed along with other previous research about how parents see their children's activity levels, how they evaluate their child's weight and current trends in child and adolescent obesity and excess weight.Practical advice on how to avoid unnecessary snacking and shift the cultural norms around food and children are discussed with the goal of improving child health and supporting healthy, life-long habits.New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is focused on the importance of dealing with aggressive behaviours in early childhood. Most parents think that small children will eventually outgrow aggressive behaviours but the research is clear - children to not naturally outgrow hurtful behaviours without assistance from adults. Children need to be guided on how to move from hurtful behaviours to caring behaviours.There is a lot attention on bullying in school age and adolescent children without looking at why this behaviour is happening. To remedy this situation, we need to address the root of the problem - helping small children unlearn hurtful behaviours so they don't grow into more aggressive older children. Five easy to understand steps are presented to help parents address hurtful behaviours in small children. Clear examples are provided to assist parents in putting this information to use right away. Additionally, specific behaviours that are warning signs that a child may need professional help are also discussed.The trend of aggression and bullying can only be changed if we decide to address the issue at its source. Identifying and dealing with aggression in small children is a wonderful way to change what is happening in current society and make the world a kinder place.New episodes are published each Tuesday so stay tuned for more science-based Proactive Parenting information.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_MasonEpisode is LivePublished: Sep. 25, 2020 @12AM EditUnpublishAdd a TranscriptGet episode better indexed by search engines.Add Chapter MarkersListeners can tap through & see what’s coming up.Create a Visual SoundbiteBest way to share to social media for engagement.

This episode is focused on how accidental parenting occurs and what parents can do to avoid the risks of engaging in accidental parenting. Simply put, accidental parenting happens when we use a parenting technique or approach that does not sufficiently take into account the development of our child. Because of this, the anticipated results aren't achieved and we find that we have actually created a bigger or more complex problem than the one that we were trying solve.This episode is based on a real-life example taken from my practice. By working through the parent motivations, the approach, the style, and the outcomes, it is easy to see how accidental parenting can happen even when we approach our children with love and desire to parent them well. While it's easy to fall into accidental parenting, there are ways to avoid making this mistake. Understanding the developmental age of our children is the key to selecting appropriate parenting techniques and knowing how to flex or customise them to reflect the unique characteristics and personalities of our children and support our family's values.In addition to learning about what accidental parent is and why it happens, three clear and easy suggestions are given to help parents avoid the risks of accidental parenting in their families.Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is focused on what happens when children are raised without learning values. Values can seem outdated, but the research is clear that values are central to raising children who will mature into adults that are ready to take on all of life's challenges and joys. Values are what we use to understand situations, choose our actions and evaluate our responses. Without values, these processes are at the mercy of our mood, feelings, and what other people around us are doing.Children need values to help them learn how to interpret the world around them. They have limited life experience, so values become an important parenting tool to help us guide our little ones in making good decisions that match with what we believe as a family. When we only teach behaviours, rather than the values behind those behaviours, our children can never really understand why something is right or wrong. Values is what gives our behavioural expectations meaning.The use of limits and discipline is central to teaching values and should be started early. The earlier we begin to teach our kiddos about values, the better and more profoundly they will learn them. As with all things in Proactive Parenting, it is never too early to start!Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is focused the important parenting topic of limits and discipline. While there are many different opinions and perspectives about the application of limits and discipline, the research and science support the use of limits and discipline throughout childhood and adolescence to teach our children values.Limits and discipline communicate what is important to our family. When we structure our limits and discipline in a way that reflect our values, we are simply teaching our children about those values and how we use them as a family. With this in mind, limits and discipline do not change over the course of our children's lives but, instead, expand as they grow and mature. Examples of limits and discipline, from a values perspective, are given for each age and stage. Additionally, five principles are presented to help parents get started:1.  Set limits and stick to them2.  Limits are not negociable with our children3.  Teach about rights and responsibilities4.  Keep discipline as discipline5.  Follow discipline with discussionIn addition, three types of discipline that should be avoided are reviewed:1. Physical discipline (e.g. hitting, slapping, spanking)2.  Shaming (i.e. focusing on the child rather than the child's behaviour)3. Hyper-discipline (e.g. helicopter or snowplow parenting) This episode is meant to refocus limits and discipline as a form of communication that teaches our children about what is important to our family and support them in internalising that information so they become a self-confident, independent, and prepared adult at the end of their childhood journey.Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is focused on the difference between your child's chronological age and their developmental age. Chronological age is easy to measure, it is the number of birthdays that our children have had. It is easy to measure and is useful in knowing when to start school, drive a car, or vote. Developmental age is more complex and is related to how our child is developing in various areas, including physical, intellectual, emotional, social, moral, and sexual. This information is useful when we try to make comparisons between our children and other children. We may even notice that the children in our own family are not meeting milestones at the same time even though they live in the same house and have the same parents. Developmental age is the reason for these differences. Each child will go through a predictable, progressive development, but how they go through that process is individual and influenced by their personality, character, reactivity, birth order, and family situation. This is why children in the same household develop in a unique way in comparison to their siblings.Understanding the difference between chronological age versus developmental age, and learning how to view a child in relation to their developmental age in each specific area will help in knowing how to adjust our parenting to get the most out of each of our kiddos. Knowing what to expect - not too much or too little - helps us tweak our approach to keep your little ones moving forward. This is a powerful tool in creating a harmonious family life that also builds trust between parents and their children.Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is focused on what we can do when we catch our child telling lies. By understanding how their development at each age and stage influences why and how they lie, it is easier for us to know how to respond. Most importantly, when we understand why our children lie, we can use those interactions as teachable moments to bring us closer with our children. To help us reach this goal, the cognitive development of our children is explained at each developmental stage along with how their minds process falsehoods. Then, realistic and practical approaches to address and guide our children at each age and stage is discussed.Knowing that telling untruths in a part of childhood is reassuring, but knowing how to respond is what makes all the difference. Keep listening to know how to handle lying in your family.Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is focused on how overindulgence can rob our children's happiness. Watching our kiddos' faces light up with joy when they receive a gift, go for ice cream, get showered with attention or are allowed a privilege can lead us to repeat these activities frequently. However, the more our children receive, the more they view these extras as "normal." This sets them up to want even more and can take away their enjoyment of what they have.Learning about how overindulgence shows up in families as well as how our children become accustomed to having too much can help begin the process of moving towards having enough, but not too much.Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode continues exploring how separation anxiety is made worse during COVID-19. While the previous episode discussed how separation anxiety as a natural developmental process at each age and stage during "normal" times and described how separation anxiety typically appears in children, this episode uses that information as a base to go over how parents may see more separation anxiety in their children due to the pandemic and the changes in society that have occurred as a result.While acknowledging that the pandemic is hard for parents to manage, it is even harder for our children. The main idea in making this situation easier for our children is to accept that things are less scary when we know what they are. This means that we can support our children by focusing on accepting and labelling feelings to make them seem less overwhelming. We also need to be flexible on how we manage this situation as the pandemic continues to progress and evolve.The change from our current reduced social circles to larger ones with the return to school, university, and work may increase separation anxiety in our kiddos. In order to help our children adjust, four approaches are presented to support our kids at each age and stage:--  0-3 years: Creating patterns when parents leave and return--  3-5 years: Focus on body control through deep breathing--  6-13 years: Help them explore feelings and feel empowered to influence the situation --  13-19: Build resilience and maintain hope in difficult timesPatience is key throughout this process for parents and their kiddos.Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This is the first of a two-part podcast focused on separation anxiety. In this first episode, we will be exploring separation anxiety at each age and stage as a natural developmental response. Separation anxiety generally occurs as a response to change and our child's desire to either slow down or stop what is happening because they feel overwhelmed. Going through each age range, a description of how we can recognise separation anxiety in our children and how development influences their expression of anxiety. Separation anxiety is not necessarily negative. It reveals areas where our children feel insecure and need additional support to continue growing and developing. For that reason, specific advice is given on how you can help your child at each age and stage to face the strong emotions they are feeling that are behind their separation anxiety.  Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

This episode is focused on what it means to be a Proactive Parent and why proactive parenting can lead to a more sustainable future for your family. By learning about your child's development you will be able to adapt to your child's needs as they grow. In understanding what behaviour you can expect from your child, you'll be able to better balance all the needs of your family - including your own! Being a Proactive Parent will enable you to make educated choices on what is best for your family in light of your set of core values. While other parenting programs can leave you feeling stagnant and frustrated, being a proactive parent gives you the knowledge and insight into what changes you can make when your child outgrows their established routine. Listen to this episode to learn how Proactive Parenting can fit your family. Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason

Proactive Parenting is based on validated theories and scientific research to provide the information you need to care for your modern family. Not everyone grew up in a completely healthy family of origin and consequently may be unsure of how to be a parent when they start a family. Proactive Parenting was created for parents who need a solid foundation to start raising their children, and for parents who want to do better. It is a way to move past old behaviours, break unhealthy habits, and replace them with parenting actions that will lead to a healthy family life for both children and parents.This episode is focused on the myth of being a perfect parent. Research has shown that perfect parenting may actually interfere with your child's natural development so it is better to be a good parent instead. Good parents guide their children in their natural developmental process while perfect parents try to create a perfect child or childhood experience. The good parent approach is fluid and child-led while perfect parenting is rigid and parent-led.When we try to be perfect parents, the focus shifts from our child onto us - and that can drain our resources and leave us feeling exhausted. Listen to this episode to learn how being a good parent is more sustainable for us and our children, why it is better than trying to be perfect, and exactly how good we have to be to qualify as a good parent - you're going to be surprised!Just to let you know, for the duration of the Proactive Parenting podcast launch, I will be releasing two episodes a week instead of my normal weekly release schedule. I hope you enjoy the extra episodes.If you want to learn more about Proactive Parenting, please visit my webpage and social media sites:Website: www.proactiveparenting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannamariemasonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deannamariemason/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeannaM_Mason