Playful Parenting

Compassion Fatigue

The Children Are Always Ours

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on March 30, 2026

What would it mean if we let ourselves experience empathy for all the children in the world, to see them all as"ours"?

What would it mean if we let ourselves experience empathy for all the children in the world, to see them all as"ours"?

Parenting

3 Keys to Family Harmony

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on June 10, 2025

While it's impossible to have a dedicated strategy that will address all family conflicts, these three simple tools can prevent or alleviate a wide variety of difficulties.

While it's impossible to have a dedicated strategy that will address all family conflicts, these three simple tools can prevent or alleviate a wide variety of difficulties.

Parenting

Do Kids Hear "No" Too Often or Not Enough?

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on April 14, 2025

Like many disagreements in the so-called "Mommy-wars," the conflict over the word "no" can get very heated. Do children need more no, or do they need more understanding and empathy?

Like many disagreements in the so-called "Mommy-wars," the conflict over the word "no" can get very heated. Do children need more no, or do they need more understanding and empathy?

Parenting

How to Talk to Children About Shocking Events

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on January 9, 2025

When disasters such as fires, floods, and violence hit, they affect everyone. Here are key principles for talking with children about such events.

When disasters such as fires, floods, and violence hit, they affect everyone. Here are key principles for talking with children about such events.

Emotions

3 Ways to Handle Tough Emotions

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on January 6, 2025

Are you overwhelmed by strong emotions? Maybe one emotion, such as fear or anger, is especially hard to deal with. Here are three key strategies for facing feelings directly.

Are you overwhelmed by strong emotions? Maybe one emotion, such as fear or anger, is especially hard to deal with. Here are three key strategies for facing feelings directly.

Parenting

"Her Tears Woke Me Up"

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on December 16, 2024

One mom's journey from fighting over bedtime, to trying empathic words—but not really meaning them—to finding the well of true empathy within herself.

One mom's journey from fighting over bedtime, to trying empathic words—but not really meaning them—to finding the well of true empathy within herself.

Parenting

When Children Say, 'It’s Not Fair!'

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on November 4, 2024

Here's how adults can respond when children bring us their pain.

Here's how adults can respond when children bring us their pain.

Parenting

10 Terrific Turnarounds for Parents

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on September 7, 2024

Tired of hearing yourself saying the same things over and over to your children? Want to know why these repetitions aren't effective? Ready for some new ideas? This post offers some fresh new alternatives to build connection and cooperation.

Tired of hearing yourself saying the same things over and over to your children? Want to know why these repetitions aren't effective? Ready for some new ideas? This post offers some fresh new alternatives to build connection and cooperation.

Parenting

10 Questions to Guide Limit-Setting With Kids

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on August 8, 2024

Setting limits is hard. Consider these 10 questions for self-reflection that can help you do it effectively, calmly, and mindfully.

Setting limits is hard. Consider these 10 questions for self-reflection that can help you do it effectively, calmly, and mindfully.

Parenting

When Your Child Says No-Good, Terrible, Scary Things

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on May 12, 2024

Has your child ever shocked you with "I'm going to kill you" or "I wish I was dead"? Don't panic or demand they speak nicely. Respond to the emotion they are trying to articulate.

Has your child ever shocked you with "I'm going to kill you" or "I wish I was dead"? Don't panic or demand they speak nicely. Respond to the emotion they are trying to articulate.

Parenting

When Parents Don't Feel Like Playing

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on March 31, 2024

Parents often feel like they should play with their kids, even when they are sad, worried, or tired. But "shoulds" don't make us more playful.

Parents often feel like they should play with their kids, even when they are sad, worried, or tired. But "shoulds" don't make us more playful.

Parenting

Imaginary Friends for Grown-Ups

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on February 9, 2024

Have you ever felt you could use more support as a parent, but the people around you are unavailable? We can access imaginary supporters who can give real support.

Have you ever felt you could use more support as a parent, but the people around you are unavailable? We can access imaginary supporters who can give real support.

Relationships

6 Minutes to Improve Your Relationship

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on January 1, 2024

Learn this powerful listening technique for partners and co-parents.

Learn this powerful listening technique for partners and co-parents.

Parenting

Small Problems, Big Feelings

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on December 6, 2023

When we understand why children have giant feelings about tiny problems, we can have more empathy and understanding.

When we understand why children have giant feelings about tiny problems, we can have more empathy and understanding.

Parenting

I’m OK, You’re OK, We’re OK

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on October 20, 2023

Children need to know that they are secure, that their parents are stable, and that the relationship is solid.

Children need to know that they are secure, that their parents are stable, and that the relationship is solid.

Empathy

The Paradox of Empathy

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on October 14, 2023

What do you do when your child is overwhelmed with a painful emotion? Here are some tips to resolve the empathy paradox.

What do you do when your child is overwhelmed with a painful emotion? Here are some tips to resolve the empathy paradox.

Creativity

5 Free Toys For Your Kids

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on May 13, 2023

The best toys for brain development, creativity, and problem-solving are everyday objects such as pillows, blankets, nature, and the contents of your junk drawer.

The best toys for brain development, creativity, and problem-solving are everyday objects such as pillows, blankets, nature, and the contents of your junk drawer.

Cognition

Tears Are Words

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on April 26, 2023

Do you feel helpless when your child cries or has a tantrum? Shift your perspective to learning children's emotional language.

Do you feel helpless when your child cries or has a tantrum? Shift your perspective to learning children's emotional language.

Parenting

Don’t Trick Your Kids

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on April 5, 2023

Do you enjoy parenting hacks, where parents trick their children to avoid tantrums and meltdowns? There may be some aspects of this that you haven't considered.

Do you enjoy parenting hacks, where parents trick their children to avoid tantrums and meltdowns? There may be some aspects of this that you haven't considered.

Therapy

5 Secrets of Play Therapists That Every Parent Should Know

Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D. on March 31, 2023

You are not your child's therapist, but you may benefit from putting into practice some of the key principles of play therapy.

You are not your child's therapist, but you may benefit from putting into practice some of the key principles of play therapy.