Bill Corbett

Why firm, respectful parenting can feel lonely—and why it is worth continuing Sometimes the hardest part of parenting differently is not managing your child’s behavior. It is managing the opinions of everyone watching you. You decide not to give your child unlimited access to a phone, tablet, video game, or social-media account simply because “all the other kids have one.” You allow your child to express anger or disappointment without immediately punishing the emotion. You establish reasonable limits, follow through with consequences, and try to remain calm when those limits are tested. You want to raise your child with both firmness and respect. Then someone tells you that you are being too soft. Another person says you are being too strict. A relative insists that your child needs to learn who is in charge. A friend rolls their eyes when you explain your screen-time limits. Someone else tells you that children must experience everything eventually, so there is no point trying to pro...

Every parent wants to raise a child who is confident, kind, and capable of navigating life’s ups and downs. Yet in the heat of daily challenges—from toddler meltdowns to preteen resistance—reactive discipline can take over. Positive parenting offers a proven alternative: a proactive, connection-based approach that builds emotional intelligence from the ground up. Far more than a set of techniques, it’s a mindset shift that prioritizes mutual respect, consistent modeling, and emotional coaching. Research shows children raised with positive parenting strategies are more likely to develop strong self-regulation, empathy, and problem-solving skills. In Connecticut homes and beyond, caregivers are finding that small, intentional changes—like using empathetic language, setting clear boundaries with kindness, and focusing on solutions instead of punishment—lead to lasting behavioral improvements. This guide will walk you through practical, everyday strategies to: Recognize your child’s emotio...

What is this "Creepy-Cute" Collectible All About? Labubu has become a huge hit around the world as a collectible that brings together fashion lovers, collectors, and celebrities. Kasing Lung made this small monster in 2015 for his Monsters art collection, which was based on Nordic mythology. After Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung made Labubu in 2015 for his The Monsters art project, Chinese toy company Pop Mart made a lot of them in blind-box sets. The toy comes in a blind package that hides all of its features. There are more than 300 variations as of the time this article was written. So what's the big deal? 1. The excitement of perhaps acquiring a rare item. Psychologists believe it's like gambling or an obsession, and this makes a dopamine loop. 2. The mix of silky fur and pointed, jagged teeth in "ugly-cute" and edgy styles is quite appealing. 3. A desire that celebrities and social media make people feel. Kids want to stay up with the current trends be...

  ⏳ Why Visual Timers Work Wonders with Kids Every day, you probably repeat yourself numerous times as you ask, "Put your shoes on!" "Time to clean up!" "We have to go!" —You are not alone. The abstract nature of time remains difficult for numerous children to grasp, especially those who are young or have challenges with transitions. Visual timers provide an essential solution in these situations. How many times were you tempted to say, "You have five more minutes with that video game," and yet, the child just keeps on playing the game? Yes, some of it is defiance, but it's also the fact that they have poor time management skills, and it's easier just to get as much as they can until you break and yell. ⏰ What Is a Visual Timer - It's a Game Changer! See them online in different styles and colors! Visual timers provide students with an understanding of time duration by displaying the passage of time through a visual format instead of ...

Some of my readers may be bothered by the fact that I refer to this as the DCF exercise, while others might consider it a gimmick. But I did it with my kids and it worked! Children don’t immediately understand the importance of cooperation, and they may need a little instruction and then coaching on how to participate effectively. This is especially true if you’ve given in to your children more than you should have, and you know it.  Some parents may not need to go this far, but it’s an option for those who wish their kids were more cooperative. Additionally, it can be a fun game that brings your family closer together. At the very least, it’s just another tool for their toolbox. Feel free to leave your comments on whether you support this or not. I value your opinions, so please feel free to share your thoughts. Best parenting tool EVER! Have you ever experienced a situation where you did something amazing for your children, such as taking them to Disney, buying them a game system...

When a young child captures a specimen of nature in the backyard, one parent might tell them they can keep it in a jar, while the other tells them to take it out of the house and let it go. Instead, make this a learning opportunity for the child and a chance to demonstrate respect for nature. It's also a good time to reinforce time away from the screen and experiencing the world around them. Allow them to keep the creature for a brief time and study it. Take some digital pictures of it and allow the children to decide which ones are their favorites to keep. Use an online application with your child to research information on the critter, what it eats, and the most favorable conditions for its habitat.   When it's time to let it go, allow the children to decide where they’ll release it. You could use it as an excuse to visit your local state park to let it go there and look for other forms of nature. You might be fortunate to have butterfly garden close enough for you and the c...