How To Handle An Elementary School Kid's Meltdown

"This website is gold!! Just what I needed. None of the other methods of "disciplining" were working for us. These articles are really helping me understand what my son needs. And the way you give specific actions to take, with suggested words! I often find myself thinking when reading about parenting, "But how exactly do I implement that????"  I feel like I'm left hanging. This website does not leave me hanging. Thank you! We all want to be awesome parents; we just don't know how." - Lisa Ryder

This is consistently the BEST parenting website out there.

Megan Nida

Yours is the best advice I've found so far on what to do when you, the parent,are angry. Most say something like, "Deal positively with your anger!" which makes me say, "Like HOW?" - Rachel at Milkbreath and Me

"I found Dr. Laura Markham on www.Ahaparenting.com and just the most simple words have helped me to find a better version of myself as a mom and even as a wife. I have written on a wall at home to always choose love, love is patient, love is kind, love protects, love will get me home."

Dr. Laura is a parent whisperer! - Liz McIntosh

Liz McIntosh

Dr. Laura's parenting advice completely changed my relationship with my daughter, improved her self-esteem, and transformed our lives. Providing my daughter with acknowledgement of her feelings and point of view reduced her oppositional behaviors and emotional meltdowns to nearly none. - Jodie Tokatlian

Dr. Laura, you have created miracles, large and small, in so many lives and our children thank you.

Folks, she's brilliant. It's wonderful to have parenting experts who don't see the child as the enemy in a locked combat, for one thing. I recommend it.

I don't even have kids but I subscribe to your blog because you have amazing life lessons, and because I work with an autistic child and your blog really helps me stay grounded, sane, and compassionate with my work. - Mila Kim

Mila Kim

"I'd really recommend Laura Markham's Aha! parenting books and website for brilliantly practical ways to parent with kindness instead of punishment." - Makchoon

Makchoon

I have seen amazing improvement in my *very* angry 17 year-old son after acknowledging that there was a reason he was so angry and acting out. We have had several heartfelt conversations and I have seen a real change in how he treats his younger brother, and how he treats me.

I know that I am a better parent thanks to Dr. Laura's inspirational words and suggestions.

I love AhaParenting because there is always a "pick yourself up and try again" to it. - Chantal Harrison

Chantal Harrison

It's like these emails were meant for me. - Caroline Henry

My daughter reacts so much better when I empathize and stay patient. And now I get to model that behavior instead of letting my frustration get the better of me.

Thank YOU so much for your encouraging emails and Facebook posts!!! Since I began this process, I have noticed a difference in the compassion I show to myself, and how much more that helps me connect with my kids. We are all feeling a lot more overall peace.

Thank you for you weekly emails, blogs, & books. They're a life line when I really need support during a rough patch. - Lisa Fernandez

Lisa Fernandez

Thank you so much for this great advice! You give me ideas for how I can "do it better" and that lifts me up with hope and positivity too!

Today I say thank you, tears streaming from my face, so proud of my little boy and all he will become. Thank you. - Jennifer B.

Jennifer B

Yes. It works. And the more rest I get, the more patience I have. It makes a difference.