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…
It’s interesting to review statistics about parenting that the Pew Institute gathered. Pew Research Center conducted this study to better understand how American parents approach parenting. This analysis is based on 3,757 U.S. parents with children under age 18. The data was collected as part of a larger survey of parents with children younger than…
You might have noticed while reading my other articles, that I love talking about how to make changes so you can succeed as a parent. Many people will give you suggestions for new parenting strategies to try. This is helpful information however, I find that people have a hard time keeping up with the new…
There may be several changes you would like to see within your family to make it a happier environment. Perhaps you would like more cooperation, a greater sense of connection, or for your children to respect you and each other more. These are wonderful dreams. However, my examples are not specific enough to know how…
Have you noticed that sometimes you can have a hard time feeling grateful that you have children? I ran into a former client at the local symphony and I asked how his 3 children who were such a challenge are doing now. “The youngest one, who is now a junior in high school is doing…
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…
Often parents try to force kids into cooperating, and they wonder why they won’t. Force and collaboration don’t work together. You can’t use the Director Parenting Role (like a boss who gives orders) and force cooperation. The only way to build true cooperation, is to use the Collaborator Parenting Role whenever possible. Deciding on which…
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.