If your child is still co-sleeping at age 5, 7, or even older, you're not alone, and there's absolutely no judgment here. Many families end up co-sleeping with older children much longer than they initially planned, and that's completely okay. But if you're feeling ready to help your child transition to independent sleep, this compassionate guide offers gentle, evidence-based strategies that honor your child's individual needs. As a certified behavioral sleep specialist, I'll share collaborative approaches that can help older children sleep confidently in their own space while supporting the whole family's rest—no power struggles required.

"Good job!" "Way to go!" Sound familiar? If these phrases don't motivate your child the way you hoped, you're not alone. Many parents use positive reinforcement instinctively, but without understanding how it truly works, it often falls flat—or worse, accidentally reinforces behaviors they didn't intend.

As a behavior analyst, I see this disconnect all the time. The difference between effective reinforcement and empty praise comes down to timing, specificity, and knowing what actually motivates your child.

This complete guide breaks down what positive reinforcement really means and how to use it effectively with children ages 2–12. You'll learn the five types of reinforcement beyond praise, common mistakes that undermine your efforts, and practical examples you can use at home and school today. Most importantly, you'll discover how to follow your child's lead and build environments where good choices feel good to make.

Is your previously good sleeper suddenly fighting bedtime, waking at night, or having meltdowns? Sleep regressions in toddlers and preschoolers are real, normal, and often more complex than baby sleep regressions. Learn the signs of true developmental regressions, age-specific triggers for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds, and evidence-based strategies to support your child through these temporary disruptions while maintaining healthy sleep habits for the long term.

Wondering when your child should stop napping? Most kids transition away from afternoon naps between ages 3-5, but the timing varies dramatically. Learn the specific signs that indicate your child is truly ready to drop their nap, how to adjust bedtime for success, and practical strategies for navigating preschool nap times when your child no longer needs to sleep.

I surveyed 103 parents in our community about their biggest parenting challenges and what kind of support they actually want. The results were eye-opening: 57% struggle with supporting their kids through big emotions, 54% desperately need time for self-care, and 53% are battling screen time issues. But here's the most encouraging finding - if you've been thinking about getting some support but haven't taken that step yet, you're in great company. 42% of parents feel the same way. If you're feeling overwhelmed or alone in your parenting struggles, this research shows you're absolutely not. Discover what local families really need, see how your experiences connect with others, and find practical steps you can take today to feel more supported and less isolated.

Is bedtime a battle in your home? Understanding sleep pressure - your child's biological need for sleep - might be the missing piece. This post explores the science behind those second winds and bedtime meltdowns, offering practical ways to work with your child's natural rhythms instead of against them. Whether you're dealing with a typical toddler or a child with more complex sleep needs, these evidence-based strategies can help transform those nightly struggles into smoother transitions.