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…
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…
Learning specific communication tools can make talking with your teen about tough topics easier. In this blog post series, I’ll help you gain greater expertise and confidence during these “tough topic talks” so your teen will be responsive, and you will have fruitful conversations together. … The 7 steps to Creating Successful Discussions With Your…
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…
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.