Parent supporting child with homework. Example of “First homework, then play” — a First/Then strategy that teaches responsibility and patience.

Parenting Tip: How “First/Then” Phrases Help with Transitions, Patience, and Responsibility child cooperation daily routines morning routine parenting tips patience responsibility transitions waiting Sep 02, 2025

Transitions can be one of the toughest parts of the day. Parents often find themselves repeating directions, negotiating endlessly, or feeling like they’re begging their child to cooperate. A simple shift in wording can make a big difference: try using “First…Then” phrases.

What Is a “First…Then...

Woman holding a large stack of books while browsing shelves in a library, symbolizing the search for timeless parenting classics.

Foundations of Parenting: 5 Books Every Parent Should Know (Plus 2 Timeless Classics) attachment behavior books child discipline education emotional intelligence foundation love languages parenting parenting style parenting tips psychology Sep 01, 2025

Parenting books come and go — just like fad diets or trendy advice columns. But real parenting isn’t about what’s “hot” right now. It’s about timeless wisdom, grounded in research and proven to empower families for generations.

The books below aren’t passing trends. They are the foundations o...

Collage of diverse families with children under bold text asking, ‘What’s Your Parenting Style?’ Blog graphic for The Ms. Paige Way.

What’s Your Parenting Style? Understanding the Four Approaches authoritarian authoritative neglectful parenting parenting style parenting tips permissive psychology research Aug 29, 2025

From Baumrind to today—discover the four parenting styles studied by psychologists since the 1960s.

Every parent has a unique way of raising children—shaped by our personalities, our experiences, and often, the way we were raised. You may find yourself sounding just like your mom when you give a re...

Parent and young child smiling and cuddling on a bed in the morning, showing a warm and connected start to the day.

Wake Them with Connection: A Better Start to Your Child’s Morning connection daily routines morning routine parenting tips schedule Aug 27, 2025

⏰ Mornings with kids can feel rushed, loud, and stressful. Between packing lunches, finding shoes, and watching the clock, it’s easy for connection to get lost in the chaos. But starting the day with just a few moments of warmth can shift the entire tone — for you and your child.

Why Connection...

Parents dropping kids off at school in the morning. A mother kneels to encourage her son with a backpack while the father helps their daughter. This warm family moment highlights positive school drop-off tips, focusing on what to say to children to help them feel safe, confident, and ready for the day.

School Drop-Off Tips: What to Say Instead to Help Your Child Feel Safe and Confident back-to-school emotional regulation encouraging phrases first day of school parenting tips seperation anxiety Aug 19, 2025

School Drop-Offs: What to Say Instead

The first days of school (and even weeks) can be emotional for both parents and kids. Morning transitions are tough, especially when children feel anxious, scared, or sad about saying goodbye. What you say in those moments can either build confidence and trust,...

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Transitions can be one of the toughest parts of the day. Parents often find themselves repeating directions, negotiating endlessly, or feeling like they’re begging their child to cooperate. A simple shift in wording can make a big difference: try using “First…Then” phrases.

Parenting books come and go — just like fad diets or trendy advice columns. But real parenting isn’t about what’s “hot” right now. It’s about timeless wisdom, grounded in research and proven to empower families for generations.

The books below aren’t passing trends. They are the foundations o...

From Baumrind to today—discover the four parenting styles studied by psychologists since the 1960s.

⏰ Mornings with kids can feel rushed, loud, and stressful. Between packing lunches, finding shoes, and watching the clock, it’s easy for connection to get lost in the chaos. But starting the day with just a few moments of warmth can shift the entire tone — for you and your child.

Why Connection...

School Drop-Offs: What to Say Instead

Your Back-to-School Game Plan is Here!

A free printable checklist for parents: routines, supplies, emotional prep & more—so you’re not scrambling last minute.