Parents worry when they have a child who criticizes their siblings. It’s easy to judge and label the child as being self-centered, not caring, or just plain mean. As a result, when parents react with upset and anger to the criticism, they lose an opportunity to actually guide the child towards more compassion and empathy…
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Limit setting is one of the top challenges for parents. Often, parents obeyed as children more than their kids are obeying them now. This comparison to their childhood usually causes upset feelings and thoughts about their kids which leads to ineffective language and actions. This Limit Setting Skill Level Quiz consists of common thoughts, feelings,…
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It can be hard to stay respectful when you feel upset with your kids. I suggest you make a determination to yourself that , no matter what, I will stay respectful to my children. This means not yelling, shaming, accusing, or in any other way belittling my children. This is a tall order that I…
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Reacting to parenting challenges in the moment without a long rang perspective is ineffective in making permanent changes. There is a good chance that the problem will resurface again and again. Reactive parenting often feels like punishment rather than truly being discipline. Discipline is the process of teaching children in a more positive manner rather…
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Listen with curiosity not judgment. Avoid communication blocks such as unwanted advice, commanding, placating,and interrogating. Respond to an upset child with empathetic tentative observations. Know your child and have realistic expectations. Emanate warmth and gratitude. Focus on the positive rather than areas that need improvement. Consciously choose beliefs that build connection so you gain greater…
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In order to solve a family conflict, you first have to determine who will be making the final decision on how to solve it. When children are little, parents are controlling and deciding for kids most of the time; when they go to bed, what foods they can eat, how to solve problems with other…
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For over 20 years I’ve been listening to parents express their frustration, anger, hopelessness, and confusion about how to handle and change 10 major problems. As you read this list and nod your head in agreement, know that each person who came with a heavy heart, left armed with confidence, courage, and the necessary skills…
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My daughter struggles with school and taking initiative. She gets discouraged and recently she was complaining about a teacher. I’m working with Cynthia so I can be a better parent and so my kids will do things without being told or at least just being told once. I received a text from my 17 year…
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My good friend, Rosalinda Randall, is an etiquette expert. She recently conducted an informal survey asking pre-teens what they considered to be rude behavior, by adults. From my perspective, too often parents look down on children as not knowing and not wise. I find that children are very aware of what they like and don’t…
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Parents often join together, or get married, to raise a family. They have visions of feeling more fulfilled by having either one or more children. For some, the love they feel for each other is magnified in the love they feel for their children. But what happens to the bliss? For some, the conflicts between…
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