From Authoritarian Control to Authoritative Leadership—In Families and Beyond Right now, we’re witnessing a global reckoning with authoritarian leadership. From politics to workplaces to families, people are rejecting top-down control and demanding more collaborative, respectful approaches. This shift is happening in parenting too—and it matters more than you might think. Recent research shows that 75%…
July 4th is Independence Day in the U.S.—but if you’re raising a tween or teen, every day can feel like an Independence Day struggle. Does this sound familiar? “Everyone else gets to…” “Why are you so worried? Nothing bad is going to happen.” “I’m going to go anyway, so you might as well drive me.”…
Are you being “forced” to judge sibling conflicts? As difficult as they are, each sibling 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…
The next Independent Living Skills category I’d like to discuss is Emotional Maturity. This is a vital yet difficult skill that is often worked on throughout life. (From personal experience.) So, rather than thinking about teaching a set skill, consider how you are working on emotional maturity in yourself and your children. The five Emotional…
I’m listening to the new book published this year, Anything But My Phone, Mom by Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler. I had read her previous book, I’m Not Mad, I Just Hate You! published in 2000. She focuses on sharing research and strategies to improve the mother-daughter teenage relationship. I highly recommend this book. Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler…
Last week I talked about teaching your children social skills. Please keep in mind that it’s a process for them to learn these values and skills so don’t judge them because they haven’t acquired them yet. The actual test of whether they have learned these skills without your reminders will be when they are over…
Since I was a child growing up in Michigan, with woods behind my house, I have felt calmed and renewed hiking amongst the trees. The woods were my playground full of wild orchids and ferns. My husband, Bill, loves hiking as well, so this was a natural outing to do with our daughter. Jen hated…
The Psychology of SuccessPosted: 18 Jun 2012 01:00 AM PDT Kids with “growth mindsets” are more likely embrace challenges and enjoy their activities. Kelly Corrigan: To kick off this series, give me something really high impact. If I’m only gonna get one thing really right this year, what should that one thing be? Christine Carter,…
Summer 2015 Parenting Classes Turning Craziness into Calmness: Avoiding Power Struggles (Ages 7 – 14) Discover how to reduce your intensity so you can turn a potentially crazy time into a calm one. Learn from brain research and about the keys and solutions to your emotional turmoil. Take control of yourself so you can create…
Instructions: Look at the following skills. Check those that are important to you for your children to learn before they leave home. Keep these goals in mind as you use discipline to teach these important skills. This list is created by Elizabeth Crary in Pick up Your Socks, copyright 1990 Personal Care ___ Bathes ___ …
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.