Are you sporting the rather unattractive coat of "shoulds" this season? Time to dump that look!
I’m sure it started earlier than this but I began to notice it when I was pregnant with my first child. “You shouldn’t drink wine, or eat peanut butter or shell fish. Don’t gain more than 30 pounds (which I misunderstood to mean per month vs. the whole pregnancy).” “You should read aloud to your baby in vitro so that they will be able to read earlier.” “You shouldn’t be stressed out when you are pregnant, it’s bad for the baby.”
The best time to teach respect, responsibility and resilience is when kids are small. Not too late.
Imagine a scene where you ask your teen to pick up his clothes and he smiles and does it immediately. Does that sound too far-fetched. Maybe not, read on….
Every teen misbehaves at some point or another. From talking back and slamming doors to ditching class and using profanity. It’s normal for teens to want to feel independent, but it’s not acceptable for them to act out in a negative manner. Don’t go to the extreme, however — sending them off to boarding school isn’t the answer.
Kids are smart. Watch your relationship improve when you really start listening...
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that ALL of their ideas are good ones. In fact, many are silly, impossible or end up setting a bad precedent. Donuts and chocolate cake for breakfast? Drawing with permanent markers while sitting on your new couch? Of course not. However, many of the things they complain about when it comes to their parents are right on the money.
Warnings may be the farthest thing from true compassion. Though almost always well-intentioned, warn
Adults love to give kids warnings when a rule is broken and would love to believe warnings are a highly compassionate method of parenting, a reflection of our loving and kind humanity. But guess what? Warnings may be the farthest thing from true compassion. Though almost always well-intentioned, warnings will routinely backfire.
Here are the main reasons why:
Don't get stuck in struggle about how to parent. It's okay to hand off control to your partner.
In a two-parent home, it's common for each of you to have different strengths and challenges when it comes to parenting. For example, one of you may be volatile, while the other is more even-tempered. Or maybe your partner is consistent with discipline and you are the 'soft touch'. This happens all the time! And then, of course, your teen manages to use it to his advantage.
Make a conscious effort in 2013 to make time for your spouse and children.
Many people make New Year's resolutions each year. Goals are set for exercising, loosing weight or getting organized. But how many parents take the time to size up their family and set goals that will make their family closer and happier?
Perhaps you are uncomfortable around kids. Would you like some easy steps to enjoy children?
Imagine a scene where you are laughing and having fun with the children in your life? Can you picture the joy you will feel when there is no stress or disharmony? Is it possible to have that quality time with your family and children in your circle of influence? You will think more positively after you have read these three easy steps to really enjoy children.
You make resolutions with the best intentions. Here's how to make sure you actually follow through.
A lot is written about resolutions. My first thought is, DON'T MAKE THEM (but we won't really go there). Most of us set out with lofty, admirable goals, and, quite frankly, without a clear way to accomplish them. Time passes, and with it our good intentions lose momentum. All too often, a feeling of guilt sets in. "How difficult is it to...?" you ask yourself. "I'm a smart person. At work I am more than com
Look at the other side of the coin for a more pleasurable holiday experience
Happy Holidays! I can’t believe another year is drawing to a close. It is an interesting time of year for me in particular, because my birthday and the holiday season hit all at once, and I find myself spending a lot of time in introspection during the month of December. So, in today’s post I wanted to share a realization that I had and a method to help you feel the love from your family during the holidays, especially when so many of us are dreading being around our family for more than several hours.
You can get through the holidays happily and healthily, opening up to true love and joy, right here!
I’m the first to admit I have some strong opinions, some of which have been wildly popular, and others absolutely not. That could be because we have been indoctrinated into a modicum of agreement on what’s polite, etiquette or even appropriate when it comes to giving unsolicited advice. Or (my suspicion is) we are simply afraid of the truth. However you look at it, the consequences for such straight talk can be stringent; tribal ostracization, social paralysis or, worse, no one likes you and you die alone.
