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. With you! …
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 way,…
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 was…
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…
This is the role-play skit that Parenting Expert Cynthia Klein did with podcaster Sarah Baker of Momma Stories Podcast Posted May 15, 2020. Below are 3 role-plays to illustrate how an adult’s response to a child expressing their struggles can either block or open up communication. An adult uses the Supporter Role when the…
Does it drive you crazy when your kids say, “I’m bored”? Especially now when you are with your kids 24/7, it’s helpful to examine three ways you could respond to their cry of desperation and see which one will best meet your needs. How you reply depends on who you want to solve the boredom…
Often parents try to force kids into cooperating, and they wonder why they won’t. Force and collaboration don’t work together. You can’t use the Director Parenting Role (like a boss who gives orders) and force cooperation. The only way to build true cooperation, is to use the Collaborator Parenting Role whenever possible. Deciding on which…
Parents of a 5 and 9-year-old Share Their Success Story. We’ve been working with Cynthia as private coaching clients for a month and we’ve already learned how our language was creating rebellion in both our 9 year-old and our 5-year-old. We were thinking that our children were the problems… Their behavior was challenging, however, the…
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.