I have a tendency to focus so much on work that I don’t spend time with my 16 year-old son. When I do, my relationship with my son improves. At the beginning of working with Cynthia 9 months ago, I was focusing on improving my communication and doing activities with my son. He was opening…
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“I do so much for my children, and they just don’t appreciate it. They only think about themselves. Sometimes I feel like I’m just here to give them what they want. Why don’t they think about me?” When you think this way, there is a good chance that you have not set clear personal boundaries.…
DetailsParents 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…
DetailsLimit 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,…
DetailsIt 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…
DetailsListen 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. You decide… When they go to bed The foods they can eat How to solve problems…
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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…
DetailsMy 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…
DetailsTerms 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.