Sunshine Parenting

HAPPY CAMPERS Secret #2 is Catch Them Doing Something Right. The chapter covers specific strategies adults can use to bring out better behavior in children. It also discusses what to do (and what not to do) to address behavioral challenges. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone who works with kids or young adults in any capacity, this episode is for you. Maria Horner (Catalina Island Camps) and I talk about positive behavior strategies that work at summer camp, home, and everywhere else! Mentions in this Episode HAPPY CAMPERS (Secret #2: Catch Them Doing Something Right), Audrey Monke The Whole-Brain Child, Daniel Siegel M.D. & Tina Payne Bryson Permission to Feel & Dealing with Feeling, Mark Bracket Sacred Rest, Saundra Dalton-Smith, M.D. Situated, Angela Duckworth Ep. 22: Jedi Mom Tricks (Part 1) with Maria Horner Ep. 33: Jedi Mom Tricks (Part 2) with Maria Horner Ep. 42: Jedi Mom Tricks (Part 3) with Maria Horner Teens Take Time (Sunshine Parenting article)  

How do we prepare ourselves or help prepare our kids to get ready for independent adulthood? This episode is a good one for older teens/young adults or parents of kids in that age range. I talk about my Ready for Adulthood Checklist and how to identify and start learning skills needed to thrive as an adult.  Download the Ready for Adulthood Checklist by entering your email here.  Read more about raising thriving adults in my book, Happy Campers: 10 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Independent, Capable Kids Who Become Thriving Adults.

Do I matter? It's a small question with a lot behind it—for our kids and for us. Feeling noticed, valued, and needed can shape how we experience our families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. In this episode, Sara Kuljis & I talk about the book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection & Purpose, by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. We explore the idea of mattering and how everyday interactions can help us communicate one of the most meaningful messages we can offer: You matter, and your presence makes a difference. Resources Happy Campers: 10 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Independent, Capable Kids Who Become Thriving Adults How to get Closer to your Kid in 5 Minutes a Day [Encore] Ep. 121: The Power of Showing Up with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Helping your child or adolescent build the skills to have strong friendships now will lead to the positive relationships they need to have a happy, thriving adult life.  Download the free Social Skills Checklist by entering your name and email here. "The great news is that we know our kids better than anyone else does, and most of us have a lot of experience in social situations. We have experienced social successes and failures throughout our lives and have learned and honed our own social skills. Therefore, we are the ideal guides for our children in the area of social skills and relationships. We are their ideal "friendship coaches." -Happy Campers Secret #9: Coach Kids to Better Friendships Links Happy Campers (Revised & Expanded 2026 Edition)

Do you want to feel less stressed and rushed? In this episode, Sara Kuljis & I reflect on what we're seeing in the kids and families who come through our summer camps. We talk about the decisions and struggles we experienced balancing our own and our kids' schedules when raising our now-adult kids. Download the free Family Pace & Space Worksheet by entering your name and email here. In Happy Campers: 10 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Independent, Capable Kids Who Become Thriving Adults, I share about Sara's workshop & resource, Family Pace & Space, in Secret #7: Kids Thrive With Structure.  Links Happy Campers (Revised & Expanded 2026 Edition) Challenge Success "PDF"- Playtime, Downtime, Family TimeThe Midnight Train, Matt Haig Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance, Bob P. Buford Quotes "Sometimes you have to choose." Audrey "Choosing between good options is a life skill." Sara "If the pace feels good, if you're all getting enough rest, if you have enough time together, then it's fine." Audrey