Thoughts for the Journey

whining driving you crazy? try this.

Melanie Zwyghuizen | Gen 1 Parenting If your kid’s whining sends a jolt up your spine, and makes YOU want to whine, you’re not alone....

3 min read

when your child says "no" to the choices you offered: what now?

Melanie Zwyghuizen | Gen 1 Parenting You offer two solid choices: Banana or apple for snack. Brush teeth before or after pajamas....

3 min read

Tiny Humans, Big Feelings: Why Meltdowns Are (Weirdly) Healthy

Melanie Zwyghuizen | Gen 1 Parenting Ever watched your toddler collapse into a puddle of tears because you peeled their banana wrong ......

3 min read

Discipline isn't a dirty word

Melanie Zwyghuizen | Gen 1 Parenting Discipline gets a bad rap. For a lot of us, the word brings up memories of punishment, yelling, or power struggles—and now it just brings up confusion in our own parenting. But here’s the good news: Discipline doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective. In fact, the most powerful discipline is rooted in connection, not control. It’s about teaching, guiding, and building trust—while still holding boundaries that help your child feel safe. Let

4 min read

Emotional Validation Isn’t a Magic Wand—Here’s What to Know When It Doesn’t “Work”

Melanie Zwyghuizen | Gen 1 Parenting You’re calm. You’re patient. You kneel down to your child’s level and say something like, “You’re...

3 min read

Why Are My Kids SO LOUD? (And Why It's Actually Not a Bad Thing)

Melanie Zwyghuizen | Gen 1 Parenting It starts small. A laugh. A squeal. A happy shriek from the other room. And then, before you know...

2 min read

When the World Shakes, Your Kids Watch: How to Be Their Steady Place

Melanie Zwyghuizen | Gen 1 Parenting I originally wrote this post at the start of COVID, but its message holds true anytime we find...

3 min read

Parenting 'With' Kids vs. 'At' Them

Melanie Zwyghuizen | Gen 1 Parenting In our part of Michigan right now, as winter has finally arrived in all its glory, we're on our...

2 min read

The Secret Sauce of Teaching (and Parenting)

I originally wrote this during the early days of COVID, when so many parents unexpectedly found themselves in the role of teacher at...

3 min read