“You can’t make me!” Those four words can push all the wrong buttons. But what’s behind your child’s need to say no? In this episode, we explore why children assert their will, can be so oppositional, how to respond without turning it into a power struggle, and why learning to stand up for themselves is an important part of growing up.

Should you follow your child’s lead or their need? And how do you know the difference? In this episode, we explore when to follow your child’s interests and when to look beyond what they want to understand what they need — so you can support their development, strengthen your relationship, and hold boundaries without being a pushover.

Does your child seem obsessed with carrying things, filling and emptying containers, lining things up, throwing, hiding or building?

There’s a reason they keep coming back to these things. These play urges and schemas are natural patterns that help children explore, learn and make sense of their world.

In this episode, we’ll look at some of the common schemas you might see in your child’s play — and how understanding them can help you respond differently. Instead of feeling frustrated by the things they keep doing, you might start to see what they’re telling you through their play.

Because sometimes, understanding the why behind your child’s play can change everything.