Were you listened to by an adult when you were young? Most of us weren’t because our parents weren’t listened to when they were young. And so the cycle of disconnection continues. But, it can stop with you! You can learn the communication skills and understanding that allowing children to talk about their ideas…
Are you amongst the many parents who grapple with getting kids to do chores or comply with directions? I talk about this problem often because it’s so common for parents to resort to using hurtful words. The strategy of “scolding” kids is a form of punishment based on the concept that when you make kids/teens…
As I was coaching Beth, a mom of a 15-year-old daughter, I heard her amazing success story that I just had to relate to you today. Beth found my book, Ally Parenting, online, read it, loved it, and contacted me for coaching on how to melt the wall that had developed between herself and…
Do you ever hope for a more connected relationship? You would like to be respected because you are respecting your child but it isn’t happening. Why is this? What could you possibly be doing that’s contributing to this lack of connection and respect? Notice where I’m placing the responsibility for change to happen.…
I recently had lunch with a longtime friend, Beth, who shared that her step-granddaughter has an eating disorder. Beth was very dismayed about how her stepdaughter, Tina, is handling the situation. Beth does admit that she never raised a child however she does feel validated to have a negative opinion. Perhaps you have been judged…
Does the following scenario sound familiar? It’s so painful when your kids/teens shut you out. You value the relationship and you want to feel close but you don’t know how. You try to be an empathetic listener, however, they still get annoyed with you and tell you to go away. If you feel this…
Many parents have given up on teaching social skills because there are so many examples of poor social skills everywhere. I encourage you to persevere in the mindset of teaching skills rather than getting annoyed if your children are not exhibiting them already. Also, think about what you are showing in your actions. I…
From “NO!” to “Yes” Parenting Challenge every day from Jan. 25 to Jan. 29, 2021 Do you struggle with hearing too many “NO’S” from your kids or too much arguing or are you just being ignored? Imagine having the wisdom of what to say and what not to say so you can successfully win many…
Parents love their children and want them to be happy, protected, and successful. Problems occur, though, when parents control their children too much instead of teaching them independent thinking skills that develop responsibility. Because of parents’ fear, they rush in to solve their children’s problems and take away their pain rather than watch them struggle.…
When my husband and I started working with Cynthia, I was feeling frustrated, hopeless, out of control, and judged. I wanted to have more positive relationships with my children and spouse and for my son to be more responsible and handle his emotions in a more mature fashion. After working with Cynthia, I was able…
Terms of Use: The articles in my blog are a matter of my opinion and perspective, offered to help stimulate parents' thinking about their child raising and common concerns, conflicts, and changes that typically occur. They are meant to be educational only. Because they are general in nature, they should NOT be used as a substitute for getting qualified professional psychological, medical, or legal help should serious need arise. The resources I recommend are mostly consistent with my parenting approach. Use them at your own discretion as you would my articles. The parents’ success stories are particular to their family situation. This does not mean that you would get the same results. They are to be used for inspiration that by you changing first, you have the greatest chance of creating a positive change in your family.