Laura Markham

Areas of specialization: All aspects of child behavior, emotional development, emotional intelligence, and parent-child bonding from birth through teens.

Dr. Laura Markham, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Attachment Theorist, Founder of Aha! Parenting.com, supports parents in creating close, joyful, authentic relationships with their children of all ages. As both a mom and a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Laura sounds three clear themes in her advice to parents.  The first is that when we feel good, we're better parents.  Quite simply, we can only give what we have inside; that's why her daily parenting inspiration emails are about how to take better care of ourselves and manage our own emotions. Her second theme is that all behavior can be understood as an expression of needs or emotions, and discipline sabotages children's development.  Finally, parenting effectively always depends on our connection to our kids. Without that connection, we have little influence ("My kids won't listen!") and parenting becomes frustrating rather than joyful.