By working with Cynthia privately, I have discovered that creating a stronger connection with my kids is the foundation for all positive changes in the family. I am divorced with a 10 year-old daughter and a 12 year-old son. There is conflict with their father which makes discipline more difficult.
I had developed a habit of giving in to my son’s demands because of his yelling if I didn’t. This pattern started when he was young and I didn’t know what to do. I would resort to saying “You have to ….” and “You should….” as a means to get him to obey. This approach didn’t work and led to more conflict and resistance.
I’ll admit that I am struggling with making changes. I often forget and resort back to my old patterns. I am improving, though, on giving directions, like putting away clothes, and making sure he follows through no matter what it takes. Cynthia has given me the courage and skills to persevere.
What I have learned and am consistently working on is how to create greater connections with my son. Every day I make a point of talking with him. It’s easy to spend time with my daughter and more challenging to connect with a 12 year-old boy.
My son likes talking about computers, science, and health. I have purchased a DVD of the show House, M.D. which he likes and we watch it together. This shared time makes us feel closer and as a result he is more responsive when I ask him for help around the house. I’ll keep focusing every day on finding ways to connect with my son.
I know that I need to change more in order to parent better. I will continue to self-reflect and work on implementing Cynthia’s ideas one step at a time. All my small changes bring about a positive change in the family.
For private coaching or for a parenting speaker, contact Cynthia Klein, bridges 2 understanding, bridges2understanding.com,
650.679.8138
Copyright © 2026, Cynthia Klein, All rights reserved. Please contact Cynthia to use any of her blog post.
About Cynthia Klein
Cynthia Klein’s mission is to contribute to World Peace and building healthy family relationships is the place to begin. As a parenting expert for over 30 years, parents have learned from Cynthia how to communicate more effectively as an ally rather than an adversary. Her unique Family Harmony System teaches parents of 5 and older how to have open dialogue, solve problems together, support one another, and build mutual respect. Cynthia is the author of Ally Parenting and the video-based self-paced program Win, Win, Win, Parenting. She has presented over 700 talks and coached hundreds of parents privately towards greater family connection and harmony. To learn more about her services of coaching and speaking, contact Cynthia Klein at , visit her website at bridges2understanding.com.




