Obedience and cooperation are not the same thing, and particularly when it comes to raising resilient, happy children the difference between the two matters. A cooperative discipline style encourages children to feel competent and loved. There are small but effective changes you can make in how you speak to your child that will encourage more… Continue Reading
How to help a child who is acting out by setting clear, kind limits and offering positive guidance. Walking out of school, I noticed my son had an envelope in his hand. As he handed it to me with a shy but determined smile he said: “Mom, this is for you. I wrote you an an… Continue Reading
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” – James Baldwin Children are mirrors; they reflect back to us everything we say and do. We now know that 95% of everything children learn, they learn from what is modeled for them. Only 5% of… Continue Reading
It was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds, while visions of Ernie and Barbie flipped through their heads. The dad was snoring in front of the TV, with a half-constructed bicycle on… Continue Reading
If your child isn’t very chatty, I encourage you to ask just a few questions at a time. We have also sometimes taken these questions and placed them into a jar for family meal conversations starters too. Continue Reading
Moving house, starting a new school, the birth of a sibling or any other changes and transitions can be very challenging for some children. Change can bring on tears, fears, anxiety, worry and even “misbehaviors” or “acting out.” While parents often see the importance of helping their children through big transitions, such as the birth of a… Continue Reading
When children lie, taking a break to cool off before addressing the situation can help you first find the emotional space and the right tools to move forward. An effective way to deal with lies is to remember the TRUTH: Traps, Respect, Understanding, Time Off and Honesty. Read on to find out more… Continue Reading
Snooping or Shaming Teens Will Not Give You More Control or Respect: Here is What Will. Teens…One minute they want all of our attention, and the next they want nothing to do with us. What happened to my open, sometimes clingy son? He used to share everything with me. He became secretive and elusive. My questions… Continue Reading
Let’s think about the challenging moments of parenting. You know, the frustrating moments that make you wonder why you ever had kids in the first place. Here is an example: For the past few weeks we have been having daily battles over socks. Yes. Socks. My 5 year-old daughter whines and complains that she “hates… Continue Reading
We all need to make the choices that are right for our family, that fit with our values. Kids have to be at least 13 to be on social media. I know this isn’t really an enforceable rule and that loads of kids under 13 are using social media – but it is something I am going to choose to hold on to over here. I want my kids to practice integrity when they are online.I want my kids to be creative and expressive when they are online. I want my kids to value privacy. Continue Reading