How do we help a child own up to their behavior choices and begin to make a change? The following methods encourage a child to be in charge of their good choice making… Tell them the expectations upfront so they know what they are working towards. Give them a chance to rewind when they’ve made […]
We all have an inner Mommy Monster lurking within us. It lays low, waiting for our children to push us to our limits. We try desperately to keep the monster hidden and out of sight, but no matter what, it creeps into our mindset and takes over our approach when we least expect it. There’s no escaping this […]
Children as young as three can think things through using the statements… “If … Then…” This is called the age of reason where they can judge what might happen next if they choose certain behaviors. This means at this early age, we can already guide our children to take on the job of regulating […]
Believe me. I am the first to melt when I see a little girl with ruffles on her tush… or a handsome young preschooler with a Cincinnati Reds jersey to match his MLB hat. I simply love to find a good deal on great clothes for kids, and my own children know when it comes to a photo opt… […]
Here is the honest truth… It is the first week of July, halfway through summer and it is clear to me that brothers and sisters don’t always get along. We have a choice to make as their parents… and what we decide could make or break the rest of our summer. Here are three responses […]
Summer is here, and like many families we have been anxiously awaiting a getaway that we planned months ago. The plan includes an ending spot where we will park our family for a few days and savor the sun and relaxation that a vacation brings. I would like you to think about your child’s behavior […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
