Use “Soft Power” for Life Time Connection Soft Power parenting strategies focus on building the parent-child relationship as the foundation. The child is viewed as a person with feelings and needs rather than an object for the parent to control and coerce with the focus on lifetime influence rather than immediate control. This process involves…
We know that we constantly read body language and tone of voice to interpret what others think and feel. Let’s not forget to think about the actual words we use as well. Discipline language is the language of learning, compassion, and cooperation. Boundary setting language is also discipline language. Now, punishment language has the intent…
Too often parents focus on setting rules and limits on their children. Spending time to nurture the relationship seems to be secondary. Without the connection that comes from nurturing, children are less likely to care what their parents think or feel. As kids develop into teenagers, if there is not a foundation of nurture, teens…
On February 6, 2013 I taught an amazing group of parents at Parents Place in Palo Alto, CA. about the connection between emotions and problem solving. We cannot problem solve until we acknowledge and try to understand our children’s emotions. Many parents want to be logical with their children. When their children are upset, they…
In my teen webinar series, week 1, we discussed how we need to shift our inflexible thinking to flexible thinking in order to be able to problem solve together with kids. When we stay stuck, then the wall goes up between us and our kids. No solutions can be found. It is up to parents…
Nebraska Office of Education 6.14.2012 There is overwhelming evidence that a parent’s involvement in a child’s education makes a very positive difference. In the past, often an unstated assumption was made that parent involvement meant mothers involvement. Research shows that the involvement of fathers, however, no matter their income or cultural background, can play a…
Most of us experienced disrespectful parenting when we were raised. That seems to be our default strategy. Often parents tell me how upset they get with themselves when they yell, pull their child, or threaten them. The frustration gets overwhelming and they lose it. When we are about to lose it, this means we have…
Michael Riera has amazing knowledge about teenagers. I highly recommend his book Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers. Here is part 2 of 2 parts of a brief summary of his book. From Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers by Michael Riera, Ph.D Writer and psychologist Theodore Lidz, gives a well-rounded description of the adolescent…
Michael Riera has amazing knowledge about teenagers. I highly recommend his book Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers. Here is part 1 of 2 parts of a brief summary of his book. From Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers by Michael Riera, Ph.D Writer and psychologist Theodore Lidz, gives a well-rounded description of the adolescent…
Building Connections: These beliefs and actions build greater understanding and connections between parents and children. How much are you creating connection? My parenting actions are based on the belief that “I am emotionally and physically available” for my child as much as possible. Connection Comes First. The relationship between me and my child is more…
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.