Reacting to parenting challenges in the moment without a long rang perspective is ineffective in making permanent changes. There is a good chance that the problem will resurface again and again. Reactive parenting often feels like punishment rather than truly being discipline. Discipline is the process of teaching children in a more positive manner rather…
In order to solve a family conflict, you first have to determine who will be making the final decision on how to solve it. When children are little, parents are controlling and deciding for kids most of the time. You decide… When they go to bed The foods they can eat How to solve problems…
For over 20 years I’ve been listening to parents express their frustration, anger, hopelessness, and confusion about how to handle and change 10 major problems. As you read this list and nod your head in agreement, know that each person who came with a heavy heart, left armed with confidence, courage, and the necessary skills…
My good friend, Rosalinda Randall, is an etiquette expert. She recently conducted an informal survey asking pre-teens what they considered to be rude behavior, by adults. From my perspective, too often parents look down on children as not knowing and not wise. I find that children are very aware of what they like and don’t…
Parents need to set rules and guidelines. Many kids resist feeling controlled and even if they want to help, they won’t maybe because they don’t like being told what to do or they are mad at you from a previous event. In the article, Boundaries and Rules or Limits are Different, I share how to state…
“I do so much for my children and they just don’t appreciate it. They only think about themselves. Sometimes I feel like I’m just here to give them what they want. Why don’t they think about me?” When you think this way, there is a good chance that you have not set clear personal boundaries.…
My wife and I contacted Cynthia for three reasons. 1. How to deal with our very physical son, 2. we wanted to come together more on our parenting approach, and 3. to stop the fighting between our two sons. Over two months we have made great progress. With Cynthia’s advice, our parenting approach is more…
1. Make your primary connection with your partner, or a person of your own generation. Children are NOT the primary connection. Couples who focus on the children as their reason for being together, lose touch with each other and often the original reason you are together. Children grow up and leave the nest. If you…
Each parent-child conflict gives us an opportunity to either teach our children, or to try to control our children. When we use discipline parenting strategies we are approaching the conflict as a teachable moment; an opportunity for our children to learn important life skills. When our children learn how to resolve conflicts, the joyful result…
These Parenting Problems All Have Solutions Children are not listening and not following directions. You don’t know how to solve problems with your kids. Child gets upset easily from “minor” triggers and lashes out. Teenager won’t talk to you which scares you. Too much angry and disrespectful behavior by you and your children. You and…
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.