parenting expert – Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Talking to Children About ‘Stranger Danger’

I’m often asked my opinion of talking to children about interactions with strangers and how I would best approach the topic. It may surprise you that I am really not a fan of the idea. Why?

The Three Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Disciplining Children

It doesn’t matter if you’re an authoritarian parent, hot on punishment and reward, or a gentle parent, focused on connection and empathy. Your kid is going to misbehave. Because that’s what they do…..

Why Common Discipline Methods Don’t Work (and What to do Instead)

most common discipline methods focus on encouraging children to do and be better, so that they are motivated by rewards if they behave ‘well’ and punishments if they misbehave. This would seem sensible, but it makes one huge mistake.

Gentle Parenting – You Mean ‘Hippy, Pushover Parenting’? Busting Ten Gentle Parenting Myths.

…if people ask me to explain gentle parenting in a nutshell I always say the same “treating children how we would like to be treated ourselves”. To this day I don’t understand why it is so controversial, except perhaps that we don’t treat ourselves very well?

Using Consequences as a Discipline Tool

Consequences can be an effective discipline tool when used mindfully and carefully. Sadly consequences can also be ineffective and even damaging, depending on how and when they are used. There also seems to be a lot of confusion surrounding the use of consequences as a form of discipline. The largest source of confusion seems to be that of the difference between natural and logical consequences, something I hope to clear up in this post.

Ten Common Baby Parenting Myths You Might Believe (and why you shouldn’t).

There are so many parenting myths in circulation in society. I’m sure you’ve come across many yourself. Many of them are obviously myths and therefore easy to ignore. Others however seem far more ingrained and sound more plausible. Their plausibility and popularity cause a great deal of misunderstanding, and often stress, for vulnerable new parents.

5 Reasons Modern-Day Parenting is in Crisis

Modern day parenting is in trouble. I have worked with thousands and parents and their children across two decades and what I see worries me, what worries me more however is the advice these parents are given and trustingly follow. Here are the five greatest problems facing modern day parents in my opinion: Continue reading “5 Reasons Modern-Day Parenting is in Crisis”