If you were to meet my sister or brother you would know right away we were related. You would see the family resemblance in our eyes and our expressions . You would listen and laugh along with us as we shared crazy stories from our childhood . We have many things in common: our mannerisms, […]
Even as adults it can be difficult to say those three little words… “I am sorry.” When it comes to siblings who have a built in competitive nature it can be down right impossible to form those words on their lips. Even when Mom and Dad , threaten to take dessert away for weeks, the […]
There is no I in PARENT… When you are talking to your child about their behavior, try to avoid the following “I” statements… “I don’t like it when you scream in my face.” “I am going to take away a toy.” “I want you to make a good choice.” “I am going to put […]
It is your day! Celebrate… Acknowledge…Forgive…Remember Celebrate the fact that you don’t have to be perfect at parenting. Celebrate by finding your own inner kid… Laugh ! Leap ! and Learn! with your children. Acknowledge the sacrifices you have made to make your child’s life more complete. Acknowledge the smallest things you do daily to […]
If your house is anything like mine, you have children who spend their days tattling on their siblings and you spend your day refereeing the arguments. When we acknowledge the tattling the accusing child gets two bonuses: First: They reported a negative behavior and “saved the day” Second: They feel like they have moved up […]
Rules for your city Rules for your church Rules for your library Rules for a classroom Rules for a school Rules for eating Rules for traveling in a car Rules for riding a bike Rules for… The list of rules in our world could go on and on, but the rule of thumb is that […]
Better things to do…I was recently next to a parent when I heard them tell their child “I’ve got better things to do than to help you with your homework all day.” The parent and child were at an indoor sporting facility attempting to work through homework while they waited for a sibling to finish […]
Don’t try to respond to every issue your child presents at once. Choose the issue that is driving you crazy or affecting your child’s life the most, and focus on it first. Take one issue at a time-observe and reflect on it, devise a plan or response around that issue, make your plan consistent in […]
The following phrases are normal responses from your toddler, preschooler or maybe even your grade school child. “I want to be the boss!” “I want the best toy!” “I don’t like to share!” “I get the biggest cookie!” “ME FIRST!”
The following was a favorite rhyme around our house when our two oldest children were still into reading board books. It’s gone by now, and we are onto Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but the rhyme rings true to me as I think about the rhythm of life with kids in tow. Train chugs… clickety […]
