Letting Calm Confidence Lead the Way
Techniques galore. Time outs. Behavior charts. Chore charts. Get-out-the-door charts. 1, 2, 3 warnings. Homework first. Cry to sleep. Rock […]
Family Communication
learn to communicate with children effectively, conflict resolution, talk so children will listen, listen so children will talk. help for families, behavior problems in families, help with parenting
Social Media + Tweens: Why we’re taking it slow…
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.
Helping Your Child Through Disappointment
Disappointment can be like a tidal wave of emotions for your kids. Image this scenario: The van is packed, and you’re
How To Discipline When Kids Use Back Talk
The most important lesson in back talk is to help children realize that it’s not effective, polite or a respectful manner to communicate. It’s important to teach our children how to communicate their needs well. The aim in stopping back talk shouldn’t be to take our children’s opinions and needs out of the picture. Much to the contrary, it should be to help them instead learn how to politely disagree and make their needs known.
10 Ways to Connect in 10 Minutes or Less
What’s your favorite way to reconnect when you are short on time? Here are 10 Ideas to connect with your child that take 10 minutes or less!
Teaching Your Child to Respectfully Disagree With You (And Other Adults)
Maybe you’re from the “parent is always right” or “children should be seen and not heard” school of thought. If so, I would challenge you to examine how that is working for your relationship with your child. Conflict between a parent and a child sometimes stem from the child not feeling heard, valued or respected. I realize that you may not feel respected either. Taking steps to communicate respectfully may be a stride toward repairing the relationship.
20 Calm Down Tips for Parents
Have you ever had a day or a moment when you find youself far too angry to respond in a
How to Get Kids To Listen Without Yelling
Many parents I work with confess to yelling at their kids upwards of ten times a day. Parents say they
Stop Yelling with These Two Parenting Tools
Driving back from the second day of school, my two boys started to tease each other and bicker. Determined
When Children Test Limits and Don’t Accept Choices
Consider this. Your child chose C because it is his job. His job to practice being in charge of himself as often as possible. Her job to test you, to let you know HER preference, to state loud and clear “I am the boss of ME!” And your child is right. He IS the boss of himself, and as the boss, he gets to ultimately decide what choice he will make. This is truly evidence of just the kind of self-directed, independent soul you (most of the time) want to grow. Someone who is in charge of themselves.
Okay, but you still need to get out the door. To continue to support your child in their quest to be independent it is important to respect their choice. How does this look and still get out the door–maybe on time?