Parents want to encourage good behavior from their children. But do you ever have a nagging suspicion that you’re actually encouraging bad behavior? Somehow, do all those well-meaning corrections and conversations end up encouraging hurtful behavior? The energy we give…
Does your child get discouraged? Does it feel like your child’s misbehavior seems to drown out the positive things you might notice? And the more you notice misbehavior, the more it seems to happen. We tend to gravitate toward the…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Ever tried to change your child’s behavior? Or, how many times in the last hour, have you actually tried to change your child’s behavior? If you’re like most parents, too often our methods go something like, “Uhhh! If I’ve told…
Have you heard the buzz about having a “growth mindset”* versus a “fixed mindset”? How can you teach your child to have a growth mindset? When our kids lack the skills to do what we are asking them to do…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
“You’re dumb!”“No, YOU’RE dumb!”“Well, you’re a loser!”“I know you are, but what am I?”“You’re a butthead!” “MOMMMMMMMMM!!!!” Name-calling between children is a challenge for many families. Once kids get on a roll of slinging names back and forth it can…
The rough-looking teen’s tough veneer had softened. I detected tears in his eyes. “No one has ever said anything like that to me.” Just minutes before, I met this teen in a line at our local amusement park. After a…
Holidays and other gatherings can be a lot of fun — but they can also be chaotic and overstimulating for kids! Rather than punish your children for misbehavior, be thoughtful ahead of time about how to prepare them for success.…
Most of us agree that respect is an important skill to build in children which will empower them for their entire life. Whether it is for future work or family relationships, having the ability to set aside frustrations and grievances out of…
Dear Dads, We are a big deal. Our kids look up to us in a unique way. They need our affirmation and approval. Statistics show that kids who get a father’s love tend to soar well into the world, and…