Parenting Foundations Blog
Welcome to the Parenting Foundations Blog Page. It is here that I, Brenda McSween, and a few guest bloggers post about tips and tricks to add to your parenting toolbox. I am a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Parenting Coach with extensive experience working with children, youth and their families. I have a Bachelor of Child Studies Degree. Even with my experience and education there are days and times that I have to remind myself that parenting is a tough gig and I need to cut myself some slack.
The goal of this blog is for you to walk away feeling like you have a new tip to try or thing to consider as your child grows.
Have fun parenting!!
Making the Holidays Bright: Reducing Stress & Finding Joy
Ah, the holiday season! Malls are buzzing, kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement, and parents are juggling festive magic with their already-packed schedules. For many, it’s marketed as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” but let’s be...
The Power of Being Their Safe Place When the School Day Ends
Most children are now back in school, and for many families, the new routines have been underway for almost a month. The shiny-new feeling has started to wear off, and reality is setting in. For some kids, that reality looks like excitement and confidence; for...
Anchor Points (a.k.a. Connection Points): The Parenting Tool That Brings Calm to Chaos
Life with kids can feel like a blur—snack demands, big feelings, shifting bedtimes, and constant transitions.It’s beautiful... but also overwhelming. So how do you create a sense of calm and connection without becoming a drill sergeant? ✨ The answer is something I...
Ditch the Schedule: Why Summer Routines Work Better Than Schedules
Summer starts with high hopes.“We’ll keep bedtime consistent.”“We’ll follow a schedule.”“We’ll stay on track.” Then… reality hits. By week two, your kid is still in pyjamas at 11:00 a.m., you’ve heard “I’m hungry” 17 times before noon, and you’re wondering if anyone...
Routines or Schedules: What Works Best for Your Household?
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding a balance between routines and schedules can be a game-changer for families. Both routines and schedules play crucial roles in creating a stable and nurturing environment for children, but they serve different purposes...
The Benefits of a Bedtime Routine: A Pathway to Better Sleep and Well-being
In today's fast-paced world, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can be a game-changer for both children and adults. A bedtime routine is more than just a series of steps to prepare for sleep; it is a ritual that signals to the body and mind that it is time to...
The Emotional Rollercoaster After School: Creating a Safe Space for Your Child
Back-to-school season is upon us! For our little ones, and even our not-so-little ones, this can be a huge adjustment. Your child may be experiencing the after school restraint collapse Many children struggle to find the words to express their worries,...
Let’s Talk: Navigating Growing Bodies with Your Kids!
Hey there, parents! So, your little ones aren't so little anymore, huh? As they grow, their bodies change, and it's our job to help them understand and embrace these transformations. Buckle up because we are about to dive into the wild world of navigating...
Routines and Schedules
It is times like this that I want to go back to my past self and give myself a high five!! The routines we put in place when our son was 3 years old or younger are still in place with some minor changes through the years and they are still working well 9 years later!!...
Why am I so tired??
If you are a parent who is tired and wondering why, you are reading the right post! September is a month that marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall, and for many people, it is the most exhausting time of the year. There are a variety of reasons why this is...
