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…
Does it drive you crazy when your kids say, “I’m bored”? Especially now when you are with your kids 24/7, it’s helpful to examine three ways you could respond to their cry of desperation and see which one will best meet your needs. How you reply depends on who you want to solve the boredom…
Parents can easily get stuck feeling frustrated with their child’s behavior and think their child will never change. Finding themselves thinking that their child is a little too selfish a little too often, uncooperative, careless, out of control, or too emotional…leading to fear that they will always be this way. Good news! Your child is…
Managing the ups and downs of how we feel about ourselves is one of, if not the biggest of our many daily challenges. We are emotional beings and to downplay this fact causes humanity great suffering. So, what do you say when your child says they don’t like themselves, they hate themselves, or they are…
Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and our Society Thrive Imagine if you would have had the opportunity to take courses in school on understanding emotions… Getting a leg-up on knowing the reasons behind the emotions you were feeling, how to regulate them, and how to understand emotions…
Summer is a time of decreased stress, i.e. no homework, which can mean less conflict and more time and opportunity to build closer relationships within your family. Here are three ways to start building family closeness right away. Be bold and establish a “No electronics” time for the entire family. This rule applies to everyone…
Listening to Your Kids’ Struggles Without Your “Stuff” Getting in the Way From my experience of teaching and coaching hundreds of parents (plus raising my own daughter), learning how to listen and build connection is the foundation to a harmonious home. When children are upset about an issue in their own life, it can trigger…
The Supporter Parenting Role: The “Boredom Problem” Example Child: “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” Potential parent responses: “What do you mean you’re bored and there’s nothing to do? You can help me fold the laundry, play with your sister, or read.” “I buy you all of these toys, and you just ignore them.” “When…
Several of my client’s children struggle with anxiety stemming from fears of what might happen. It’s important to note: anxiety can plague children no matter what age they are. This can lead to rigidity and resistance to change even though they will enjoy the next activity. Anxiety is complicated, and it is real. Recently, I …
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.