The Rooted Parent Journal

Coping Skills for Kids: 10 Games That Teach Calm
Coping Skills for Kids: 10 Games That Teach Calm
Ten simple, playful games that help kids practice calming down, naming feelings, and solving problems, at home or in the classroom. Read more...
How to Prepare Your Toddler for a New Baby
How to Prepare Your Toddler for a New Baby
How to prepare a toddler for a new sibling, from sharing the news to the first weeks home, plus what to do about jealousy and regression. Read more...
A Bedtime Routine for Kids That Actually Works
A Bedtime Routine for Kids That Actually Works
A research-backed, step-by-step bedtime routine for kids, plus how to handle stalling, callbacks, and worried minds at lights-out. Read more...
How to Set Up a Calm-Down Corner (That Your Child Will Actually Use)
How to Set Up a Calm-Down Corner (That Your Child Will Actually Use)
Step-by-step calm-down corner ideas for kids ages 2 to 10: where to put it, what to put in it, and how to make it a place your child chooses. Read more...
The Best Screen-Free Gifts for Kids This Holiday Season
The Best Screen-Free Gifts for Kids This Holiday Season
The best screen-free gifts for kids this holiday season, by age and budget: wooden toys, sensory play, calming tools, and big sibling gifts. Read more...
How to Prevent Holiday Meltdowns: A Calm Plan for Sensitive Kids
How to Prevent Holiday Meltdowns: A Calm Plan for Sensitive Kids
Why the holidays are so hard on kids, and a simple plan for before, during, and after the big day. Read more...
How to Help a Teenager With Anxiety
How to Help a Teenager With Anxiety
How to tell normal worry from something more, and research-informed ways to help your teen feel braver. Read more...
How to Tell Your Kids About Divorce (Ages 5 to 12)
How to Tell Your Kids About Divorce (Ages 5 to 12)
What to say, what to avoid, and how to support kids ages 5 to 12 when parents separate. Read more...
What to Say Instead of "Calm Down": 8 Phrases That Actually Help
What to Say Instead of "Calm Down": 8 Phrases That Actually Help
Why "calm down" backfires in the middle of a meltdown, and 8 phrases that help kids feel safe and settle faster. Read more...
How to Help a Grieving Child Through the Holidays
How to Help a Grieving Child Through the Holidays
Gentle, practical ways to help kids through Thanksgiving, winter holidays, and other hard days after a loss. Read more...