Computer screens, cell phone screens, television screens, and tablet screens are now a part of every day life that we can’t avoid. Problems arise because what we are looking at is so enticing that children, and ourselves, often have a hard time limiting their usage. You may notice some behaviors in your children that cause…
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…
There are two situations in which it’s most essential to listen to your children: when you’re solving problems together AND when you’re supporting your child in solving their own problems. Listening to children express themselves builds family connections and develops children’s emotional and intellectual capacities needed for a successful and happy adulthood. However, the one…
Many parents grew up with adults shaming them in order to get their compliance. Therefore, shaming words feel very natural to use with their own children and are often not questioned as to their effectiveness nor impact on their children. Rather than shaming, I reommend parents use the “just state the facts” strategy when giving…
As summertime approaches, many parents I talk with express concern about setting time limits on video games and social media, establishing clear expectations, and maintaining consistent follow through. I recommend that rather than telling kids to stop what they’re doing, parents focus on the positive things you expect from your children and the wonderful activities…
A.K.A…How to Follow the Ally Road to Family Collaboration There are numerous forks in the road while you are having a conflict with your child. At each fork, you make decisions about how you will think and act. You can choose the adversarial road that escalates the conflict, or the ally road that deescalates the…
I’m a divorced mom of a 9 year-old daughter and 7 year-old son. I contacted Cynthia for private parenting coaching due to challenges with my 9-year-old daughter. My daughter often complained about her younger brother and needed constant validation that I loved her just as much as her brother. She would frequently get upset, say…
By Mom of 7 and 9 year olds My daughter, Beth, is 9 and very strong-willed which can lead to intense emotional outbursts. I tend to try and take away her hurt feelings. I’m going through a divorce and my Child’s Advocate has advised me to stop doing this because it isn’t helping my daughter.…
For descriptions and registration links, go to Cynthia’s website Classes at Parents Place are typically small, under 12 people, so questions relevant to the class can be answered. Parenting the Positive Discipline Way (Preschool/Elementary School) – 3 sessions – Wednesdays, March 14, 21, & 28. Parents Place San Mateo 6:30 – 8:30 Winning Kids…
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.