Behavior and big feelings, explained without blame

Tantrums, hitting, whining and not listening, explained without blame and with steps that work at home.

9 guides

A mother kneels and holds her toddler's hands gently while speaking calmly in the playroom

Behavior & Feelings6 min read Toddler hitting: why they do it and how to stop it calmly Hitting is one of the most common, and most upsetting, toddler behaviors. It is also a stage. What is behind it, and a calm routine that teaches gentle hands.

How to teach kids patience in a world that doesn’t wait Shows start instantly and packages arrive tomorrow, so waiting gets little practice. Patience is a skill, not a personality trait, and ordinary days are full of chances to build it. Behavior & FeelingsAges 3 to 86 min read
How to stop whining kids (ages 3 to 6) without giving in Whining is one of the hardest sounds in parenting, and one of the most normal. What it usually means, and how to answer it without caving or snapping. Behavior & FeelingsAges 3 to 66 min read
How to stop toddler tantrums (and what to do while one is happening) You cannot prevent every meltdown, and you are not doing it wrong. Why toddlers have tantrums, how to cut down the triggers, and how to stay steady when one hits. Behavior & FeelingsAges 1 to 36 min read
How to raise grateful kids when they already have a lot A child who forgets to say thank you is not a spoiled child. Gratitude is a set of skills that grows with age, and a few everyday questions help it along. Behavior & FeelingsAges 3 to 86 min read
How to handle sibling rivalry without picking sides Siblings fight. A lot. You do not have to referee every round. Why young brothers and sisters clash, and how to coach them toward working it out themselves. Behavior & FeelingsAges 2 to 86 min read
How to get my child to listen without yelling If you have asked five times and ended up shouting, you are in very good company. Why young kids tune out, and a calm routine that works better than volume. Behavior & FeelingsAges 2 to 86 min read
5 year old tantrums when told no: why they come back and what helps You thought tantrums ended with the toddler years. Then came the toy aisle. Why a no can still set off a five year old, and how to hold the line without a shouting match. Behavior & FeelingsAges 4 to 66 min read
4 year old lying: is it normal, and how should you respond? The first real fib can feel alarming. It is actually a developmental milestone. What researchers have learned about young children and lying, and how to make the truth feel safe. Behavior & FeelingsAges 3 to 66 min read

The library behind the Journal

The Money & Business Library is five illustrated picture books for ages 4 to 8 that follow money from a first dollar to a small business: earning, ideas, worth, building and growing. Audiobook editions are available too.

We publish the Journal so parents get the research for free, whether or not the books end up on your shelf.

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