I feel compelled to tell you the story about my mother since we just had Mother’s Day. All my life I had a hard time finding a Mother’s Day card that represented my relationship with my mother. I didn’t want to lie and say that my mother was wonderful, that she was always there for…
I was coaching a client today with a 7-year-old who is having big challenges with his behavior at school. The parents wanted to know how to make the boy know how seriously wrong his behavior was. They wanted to know if I would recommend taking something away or grounding him. They were asking how…
It’s challenging to respond to a teacher’s negative report about your child. Yikes! Your feelings of embarrassment, that you should be able to control your child, could make you want to punish your child in some way. You may think, how can I make him suffer so he knows that I don’t want him acting…
Let’s go beyond “Please” and “Thank You” It’s common to tell your kids, “say thank you”, “say please”, and to “ask me when you want to go to a friend’s house rather than telling me.” I’m sure you have many more directions that you give your kids to mold them into being appreciative children. You…
It’s confusing to know what to say when your child is expressing sadness, fear, anxiety, loneliness, or other emotion about a personal challenge they are facing. Most of us have not been trained on talking about our own emotions much less how to respond to our child’s emotions. It’s typical to respond in ways that…
Hi Cynthia; When kids are fighting, many parents immediately think as a judge. Who is the perpetrator and who is the victim? In other words, who is guilty and who is innocent. Many times the older child seems to be the instigator because the younger child is weaker and often complains more. And, you may…
Are you tired of being the judge in your home? Example: Child: “Mom, Beth hit me and I’m hurt. Go tell her to stop hitting me.” Parent: “Beth, why did you hit your sister?” And off you go down the path of prosecutor and judge. How did you get in this position, what do…
From “NO!” to “Yes” Parenting Challenge every day from Jan. 25 to Jan. 29, 2021 Do you struggle with hearing too many “NO’S” from your kids or too much arguing or are you just being ignored? Imagine having the wisdom of what to say and what not to say so you can successfully win many…
We each have our own story about racist beliefs we learned. We also have the choice to become aware and either transmit them or NOT transmit them to our children. My story begins with being born in 1953 in Detroit, Michigan. My family soon moved to an all-white suburb. I grew up not knowing anyone…
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…
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.