Today we’re back as we explore our kids’ FREEDOM TO CONTRIBUTE! Does your kid struggle to clean up after themself? To pitch in to the household? How can we avoid either 1. Letting it ALL GO or 2. Getting in there so hard it makes contributing to the family FEEL TERRIBLE? Join us to explore the middle way -- The ways we are endeavoring to build skills, positive associations and connection for us ALL.

We want our kids to WANT to be a part of the machine that moves the home. We talk about way to align our values with our day-to-day interactions. To model our asses off. To interact sensitively to avoid power struggles. To give agency, scaffold skills, and trust in the long game. Each of these moments is a chance for us BOTH to build skills, stay connected, and grow as people and family. We laugh, we cry, we lean in. Join us!

Mental Mantras we explore:

- “We’re playing the long game”
- “Model model model model model”
- “Positive vibes will build willingness”
- “Inspire values instead of forcing habits”
- “Participation over perfection”
- “Gotta keep this collaborative”

Relevant Links + resources that informed this episode:

- Upbringing’s Freedoms Model
- Upbringing’s RESIST Approach
- Upbringing's Empowerment Episode: We Meet Kids Where They Are
- Upbringing's convo with Darcy Lockman, author of All The Rage
- The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies
- Simplicity Parenting, by Kim John Payne
- Respectful parenting for babies & toddlers the RIE way
- Unconditional Parenting, by Alfie Kohn
- Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
- All The Rage, by Darcy Lockman
- The Farm School in Athol, MA
- MINDFULNESS
- The Whole-Brain Child- Dan Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
- Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break The Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage With Life by Stuart
Shanker
- The Good News About Bad Behavior by Katherine Reynolds-Lewis
- Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B Rosenburg
- Amber Okamura, Upbringing’s Artist
- Mary Schroeder, Upbringing’s Letterer
- Alex Olavarria, our producer, conductor, editor + husband/brother in law

Today’s episode is supported by A Kid’s Book About- a collection of beautifully designed books that kickstart challenging and empowering conversations between kids and their grownups.

Visit our website, www.upbringing.co to learn more about us and sign up for our newsletter! We want to hear your thoughts. We care deeply about what you think and how you’re doin’, so get in touch -- we’re better together.

Email us: info@upbringing.co
Follow Upbringing on:
Instagram: @up_bringing
Facebook: @jointheupbringing

Join us to explore topics such as: parenting, motherhood, discipline, resistance, RIE parenting, feminist parenting, toddlers, tantrums, potty training, mindful parenting, conscious parenting, evidence-based parenting, positive parenting, respectful parenting, simplicity parenting and positive discipline.