This list of 45 open ended questions for kids will fill those awkward silences and eliminate one-word answers to keep your family talking! Car rides sure can be awkward. Your son is in the seat next to you, eyes glued to his phone. You try to make conversation... "So, your baseball game went well on Saturday." Silence. "Your team … [Read more...]
25 Simple (But Powerful) Parenting Phrases
It's not always easy to know what to say to our kids. You don't want to yell, you don't want to make things worse, and you don't want to make things more complicated. Sometimes you just want a few simple go-to parenting phrases. A phrase that is still powerful enough to make a difference. Here are 25 simple parenting phrases … [Read more...]
Does Your Child Struggle with Helplessness
You're cleaning up after the chaos of the morning routine when you notice a bright yellow piece of paper on the table. Your son's permission slip. He can't go on the field trip without it. Grabbing your keys, you freeze - second-guessing your next move. Wait. If I bring this to school, he'll never learn to be responsible. He will … [Read more...]
Your Child’s Friendship Drama: Do’s and Don’ts for Parents
Did you hear what Sophie said to Jenna about what Claire told Megan after school today? Or, did you hear that Hailey is not going to play with Gina because of what she told Lindsey about liking Patrick? No? Well, your daughter probably did. And, chances are, she's just as confused as you are. It's sad to say, but social … [Read more...]
Holiday Stress Survival Guide Tip #3: Manage Post-Gift Letdown
There's a mound of wrapping paper in the middle of the floor. Boxes and ribbons are scattered around the room. Your kids are happily enjoying their new toys. Or maybe not... Maybe your 17-year-old is pouting because she didn't get the designer handbag she wanted. Maybe 15 minutes later, your son is complaining that he is … [Read more...]
How to Create A Parenting Mantra
It's Tuesday. You pick up the kids from school and receive the typical grunts and groans about their day. Once at home, they meander through the kitchen opening and closing cabinets, complaining about the lack of "good snacks" in the house. Then, the fighting begins. No one wants to share the remote. The arguing gets … [Read more...]
Say this, Not that: A Parent’s Guide
Are you tired of being ignored? Feeling frustrated that your kids respond to you with grunts and "I don't know?" Sometimes, the way we phrase things can make a big difference. It's not always easy to remember what to say or how to say it, especially when your child is in the middle of a meltdown. So, here's a quick reference … [Read more...]
Anger is a Feeling Too!
Many parents try to send their children the message, "Whatever emotion you feel is ok." However, when their child expresses anger, parents often send a different message - anger is NOT ok. "Stop that! Calm down! That's enough!" We don't mean to send our kids mixed messages. Unfortunately, anger is a tricky emotion. Very few people have … [Read more...]
Parents of Teens: Keep Your Focus on the Relationship
Parents and teenagers. Seems like a disaster in the making. Teens are going through a period of uncertainty and radical growth and change. They are struggling to find their own identity and make their own decisions; while still wanting to be the little child, babied by their parents. Parents are also going through a period of uncertainty. … [Read more...]
101 Ways to Say “I Love You”
Saying, "I love you" is nice, but do you feel like your children are wanting more? How can you be sure that each of your children is feeling loved? According to Dr. Gary Chapman, Author of the 5 Love Languages of Children, there are 5 ways each of us can experience love. The 5 love languages are: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, … [Read more...]