About Aha! Parenting

Dr. Laura Markham founded Aha! Parenting to support YOU to create a more peaceful home -- and happy, responsible, considerate kids.

Dr. Laura Markham

Are you looking for that Aha! Moment to transform your child’s behavior, or maybe your own?

Whether you’re wondering how to handle a specific challenge, just figuring out your child-raising approach, or ready to tear your hair out, you’ve come to the right place.

I discovered Aha! Parenting late one night when I was in despair after another day of screaming and defiance. All I can say is the most sincere thank you I have ever said. A year later, he hugs me spontaneously, tells me I am the best mom ever, and actually does what I ask him to do. None of this would have happened without you, Dr. Laura Markham. I wish every parent could be given a link to your free website when their baby is born.

What is Aha! Parenting?

You know what an Aha! Moment is, right?

With our child, it’s that lightning flash of insight, when suddenly we see things from another perspective, and everything has the potential to be different. This website has Aha! moments for parents of every age child, from pregnancy right through the teen years.

  • Do you want your child to WANT to cooperate, without yelling, bribes, threats or punishment?
  • Would you like to connect more with your child to build a stronger, sweeter bond instead of struggling for control?
  • Do you want to raise kids who grow up into happy, considerate, responsible, competent people?
  • Do you consider yourself to be using some or all of the practices of “gentle” or "conscious" parenting, and want an experienced resource to consult about the challenges that emerge with each stage?
  • Do you want to know how to raise a 21st century kid using eternal values?
  • Do you want to feel more inspired and confident as a parent?

You've come to the right place!

About Dr. Laura Markham

Dr. Laura Markham trained as a Clinical Psychologist at Columbia University, but she's also a mom, so she understands kids -- and parents! She uses her Ph.D. to translate proven science and child-development research into the practical solutions you need for the family life you want.

Dr. Laura Markham is the author of three best-selling books: 

The founding editor of AhaParenting.com, Dr. Laura Markham makes frequent TV and radio appearances and has been interviewed for thousands of articles by publications as diverse as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Real Simple, Newsday, Men's Health, Redbook and Parents Magazine. 150,000 parents subscribe to her weekly Parenting Tips, which you can sign up for here.

Dr. Laura Markham's relationship-based parenting model, which she calls Peaceful Parenting, is rooted in research and parent-tested. She's helped thousands of families across the U.S. and Canada find transformative solutions to everything from separation anxiety and sleep problems to sass talk and cell phones. She lives in Brooklyn, New York and is the proud parent of two happy, kind, responsible and accomplished young adults who were raised with Peaceful Parenting.

3 Simple Big Ideas

1

Regulate Your
Own Emotions

Kids learn to manage their emotions when their parents model how it's done. That’s why Dr. Laura’s free coaching emails give you a blueprint for self-regulation, and the self-care that makes it possible.

2

Connect with
Your Child

From tantrums to texting, the secret of happy parenting is a close relationship with your child. Without that connection, we have little influence (”My kids won’t listen!”) and parenting becomes exhausting.

3

Coach Instead
of Controlling

Coach, instead of trying to control, so your child wants to cooperate with you. Sure, you need to set limits—but if you set them with empathy and respect, you’ll find your child is much more likely to comply.

What Are The Benefits?

  • Your kids will be happier, more cooperative , and well-adjusted -- a joy to parent, most of the time.
  • You'll be happier and more relaxed.
  • Your family life will be more meaningful and fun. Connecting puts the sweetness back into parenting.
  • You'll raise ethical, emotionally intelligent kids who are happy, considerate, self-disciplined, responsible, and likable -- without ever having to punish!
  • You'll give your kids a real childhood while still preparing them for 21st century life.
  • You and your kids will have a close, loving relationship for the rest of your life.

Testimonials

Does this kind of parenting work? Hear what parents have to say!

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?"
My strong-willed three year old almost never has a tantrum any more...he tells me what’s upsetting him and works to find a solution we can both live with. Thank you for all the wonderful information you make available for free on the Aha! Parenting website... You’ve saved my sanity!
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Welcome to the work of parenting.
Of course, that's where the rewards are, too.