Joyful Parenting

How to bolster emotional wellness and build better relationships

Erin Leyba LCSW, Ph.D.

Simple Ways to Debrief the Pandemic With Children

Two-thirds of children feel burdened by the pandemic. Providing space for them to reflect improves coping skills and helps them feel supported. Here are some sample questions.

Feeling Down? 3 Proven Ways to Build Hope During COVID Times

As the pandemic wears on and the vaccine rollout feels agonizingly slow, people are struggling with hope. These science-backed strategies can help improve your mindset and mood.

Why You Might Have to Fake Self-Care This Winter

There's a reason we don't feel like doing self-care right now. The good news is there's a way to fake it, and it works.

30 Quick Ways to Bond With Kids

Daily micro-connections bond parents and kids, not grand gestures. With the stress of pandemic lockdowns, tiny bursts of bonding are needed more than ever.

3 "Bids" Kids Are Making to Parents During the Pandemic

Amid the pandemic, kids are craving interaction and attention. Unfortunately, their "bids" to connect are sometimes seen as whining, viewed as behavior problems, or ignored.

The "Third Shift" is Burning Out Parents Amid the Pandemic

Parental burnout may be widespread during the pandemic, but it has the potential to seriously harm kids' development. Here's what helps.

8 Ways to Protect Kids' Mental Health During E-Learning

Screen time can be a drag and even make kids depressed. Parents can bring joy to their days through breaks (boosts) like these.

Postpartum Depression Amid the Pandemic? This Can Help.

Pre- and postpartum women stopped exercising during the pandemic, but this powerful practice has a strong association with decreased anxiety and depression.

Science-Backed Ways to Lower Anxiety During the Pandemic

Has your anxiety spiked during the pandemic? These evidence-based tools can help.

Why Not Let Kids Stay Up Late During the Pandemic? This Is Why

When kids don't get enough sleep, it can be harder for them to manage their emotions.

10 Positive Parenting Practices During Coronavirus

Research has illustrated clear steps toward family happiness. Here are some we can take during COVID-19 restrictions.

A Simple Science-Based Way to Shift Your Family's Mood

Ever notice the mood among family members turning angry, anxious, conflictual, or stressed? Science suggests there's a surprisingly simple way to help shift it.

5 Quick Ways to Protect Your Marriage During Coronavirus

These evidence-based steps prevent couples from experiencing detrimental conflicts, taking their difficult feelings out on each other, or drifting apart during the pandemic.

When Anger From Coronavirus is Displaced

During the coronavirus pandemic, we may feel angry while grieving. We need to be mindful of when we direct it at people or situations with a force that may not be warranted.

Behavioral Activation to Prevent Depression During COVID-19

We’re all stressed and sad due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ways the evidence-based strategy of "behavioral activation" can prevent us from becoming depressed.

How to Secure the 4 Feel-Good Chemicals During COVID-19

Facilitating specific activities to "boost" of each of the feel-good chemicals can help you and your family can stay well during this difficult time.

Kids' Sadness About COVID-19 May Not Look Like Sadness

Kids' sadness about COVID-19 may not look like sadness and may even be mistaken for "naughtiness." Children's sadness is often covered by anger, numbness, or resistance.

10 Daily Rituals That Help Parents Bond with Young Children

We know from research how important it is to bond with young children, but what should we be doing every day to achieve this?

One Great Thing to Do With a Terminally Ill Relative

Have you ever been at a loss as to what to say to a terminally ill relative? This strategy can actually help.

7 Practical Ways to Support a Grieving Spouse

Is your spouse grieving? Try these 7 science-backed steps to intentionally show your support.

Journaling Can Boost Happiness in Five Minutes or Less

Just a few focused minutes of journaling can help you see things in a new way, attend to your deeper feelings, connect with loved ones, and savor your life.

4 Simple Texts That Can Boost Your Bond With Your Teen

Science suggests that sending your teen these four types of text messages is one way to boost your bond and establish lasting positive communication patterns.

10 Better Ways to Help an Anxious Child Calm Down

Brain research suggests that telling anxious kids to "calm down," "stop crying," or "buck up" just doesn't work. However, these surprising strategies do.

Mindfulness Hacks for Busy Parents

Feeling stressed? These creative shortcuts help parents stay mindful, happy, present, grateful, and positive without taking more time out of their packed days.

3 Sweet Ways to Catch Your Kids Being Good

Acknowledging your kids' positive behaviors spreads joy, creates warmth, reinforces positive behaviors, and models sweetness.

The Overlooked Factor that Helps You Bond With Your Kids

Science suggests that family routines calm stress and promote bonding. Adding rituals, or “the sweetness, fun, or warmth that accompany routines” makes them even better.

5 Great Ways to Respond to Kids' Whining

While it's easy to react to whining, deemed "the most annoying sound in the world," with frustration or anger, research provides insight into some of the most effective responses.

5 Powerful Winter Solstice Practices for Parents

The more you clear space and work toward closure, the more you make space for all the good waiting for you around the corner of the new year.

16 Fun Games to Play With Toddlers & Preschoolers in the Car

Car rides can be great opportunities to engage with toddlers and young kids. They can help strengthen a playful bond and grow their vocabulary and skills.

25 Simple Self-Care Tools for Parents

Many parents are exhausted and overworked. These ideas offer ways to engage in self-care, renew your energy, tune into feelings, and strengthen relationships in 10 minutes or less.

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