toddler expert – Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Read the introduction to ‘Beginnings’ for free

I’m delighted to share with you the introduction to my new book ‘Beginnings: A Guide to child psychology and development for parents of 0-5 yr olds’.

Toddler Tantrum 101 – How to Understand and Manage Tantrums

Too many people believe that tantrums are a sign of bad parenting, but the truth is that young children tantrum because the area of their brain responsible for emotion regulation is very immature.

Why Tantrums are Harder for Toddlers than Parents!

A child who feels sad, angry, unloved or struggling with a lack of autonomy is a ticking time-bomb. If their feelings aren’t diffused, with parental help, they are going to explode (aka – a tantrum)…..

When is it Best to NOT be Child Led Regarding Sleep?

Many will know me as an author who advocated being as child led as possible as much as possible, particularly when it comes to sleep. I expect therefore that this post will surprise quite a few.

Why we Need to be More Tolerant of Toddler Tantrums

All toddlers tantrum. Granted some more so than others, however tantrums and toddlers go hand in hand, you don’t get one without the other. The thing is, they’re not being naughty, manipulative, bad or disruptive (purposefully anyway), they’re just being toddlers. Actually they would probably rather they didn’t tantrum so much too.

Ten Common Toddler Parenting Myths You Likely 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 are obviously myths and therefore easy to ignore. Others however seem far more ingrained and sound far more plausible. The plausibility and popularity of some of the top parenting myths cause a great deal of misunderstanding, and oftenContinue reading “Ten Common Toddler Parenting Myths You Likely Believe (and Why you Shouldn’t!).”

Taming Toddler Tantrums? It’s Common SENSE!

I do love an acronym and this one came to me in my (almost) sleep last night, as do most of my writing ideas (frustratingly!). So I’d like to introduce you to my super easy to use common SENSE (© Ockwell-Smith 2013!) acronym for coping with toddler tantrums, whatever their cause, wherever you are. I hope itContinue reading “Taming Toddler Tantrums? It’s Common SENSE!”

Why Gentle Parenting is NOT Permissive Parenting

It’s a common misconception, those who parent their babies and children with respect and compassion are deemed “permissive parents”. These gentle permissive parents are seen as always letting their offspring get their own way, thus creating future selfish ‘me, me’ and ‘I want it all – NOW’ adults. Many describe gentle parents as being “too childContinue reading “Why Gentle Parenting is NOT Permissive Parenting”

The Fourth Trimester – AKA Why Your Newborn Baby is Only Happy in Your Arms

“My baby is only happy in my arms, the minute I put her down she cries” “He sleeps really well but only when he’s laying on my chest, he hates his moses basket” “She cries every time we lay her on her play mat” “He hates going in his pram, he cries the second weContinue reading “The Fourth Trimester – AKA Why Your Newborn Baby is Only Happy in Your Arms”