Wondering what to do instead of timeouts? Here are 7 positive discipline alternatives to time out you can use starting today! You know all of the "rules" for a timeout. The chair, the timer, the number of minutes per age. It seems like you're constantly putting your child in time out, but nothing's changing. In fact, it seems to be getting … [Read more...]
Simplify Your Parenting: Focus on the Relationship
Lately, I've been feeling like parenting information has been swirling around me like a tornado. It's very easy to start doubting our decisions..."I'm using time-out, but some people don't, am I scarring my child for life?" Beating ourselves up when we feel that we've failed..."I just yelled at my kids, AGAIN! Why can't I just keep … [Read more...]
Changing the Definition of “Fair” in Your Family
In our house, fair doesn't mean "equal," fair means "getting what you need." My youngest daughter had access to a cell phone years before our older daughter. Despite the fact that this is potentially "unfair," there was no fighting, no sense of injustice, and no demand for equality. How was that possible? The phone - safeguards in place, … [Read more...]
Parents: Master the “10-Second Lecture” in 4 Easy Steps
Your child comes home from school with a note from the teacher listing 6 missing assignments. This is the first you've heard of the missing homework, so your parenting brain probably decides: "This is a great time for a lecture!" You sit your child down at the table and engage them in an hour long talk including the following key … [Read more...]
Get your kids to listen using this simple tip
Do you feel like your kids never listen? They tune you out, ignore your requests, and respond disrespectfully? It's time to try something new. It may seem counter-productive, but it may be the key to getting a reply from your children. Instead of talking more...try talking less. Imagine being questioned, reminded and directed repeatedly … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Help Your Child Become A Critical Thinker and Problem Solver
You're SO tired of reminding your daughter to feed the dog. Every day. The reminders. The nagging. The same argument. And, to make matters worse, you usually end up feeding the dog! You wish she would just take some responsibility; figure out a way to remember. To just do it without having to be asked! Help Your Child Become a Critical … [Read more...]
Tired of Being an Angry Parent? 6 Tips to Control Your Anger
Do you find yourself making threats, inflicting punishments, or screaming in anger? Do you feel overwhelmed, tired or stressed, and unsure how to handle your anger differently? Do you feel like a horrible parent? You are not alone. Many parents struggle to control their anger. If you are tired of being an … [Read more...]