To answer this question, I divide chores into two categories. The first category are the basic daily/weekly chores that must get done for the family to function. These include picking up toys, cleaning the bedroom, feeding the animals, setting and clearing the table, doing the dishes, sweeping and vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, doing and folding…
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When you try to “help” kids solve their problems and you get an “I don’t know” in response, then you are heading down the wrong path. You have tried to get to the answer way too quickly. Even though the quick-solution directive road seems fastest, it is not because it is filled with strong resistance from your…
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Teaching My Kids How to Solve Problems Works My wife and I have three children ages 14, 10, and 9. We had taken some parenting classes from Cynthia and tried applying her strategies on our own, without her guidance. It wasn’t too effective because we couldn’t see what we needed to change. Then we decided…
DetailsYour child comes home from school visibly upset. Sadness, anxiety, confusion, or hurt may be lurking below the surface. Perhaps your child had a disagreement with a friend or didn’t do well on a test. The natural response is to start asking questions to find out what is wrong. Your child may gladly talk with…
DetailsParents get stuck being able to see new solutions because they continue to view the problem in the same light. Often they state the question in this format: “How do I get my child to: not talk back, do their chores, do their homework not have a tantrum not be disrespectful not hit their sibling…
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Even though I am not a fan of homework for children under 5th grade, it seems like it’s here to stay. It can cause great strife in families and often doesn’t allow time for relaxation and fun between parents and children. With that said, here are some thoughts on how to create a home environment…
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“How do I get my resistant son to do more?” This was a request I received before I began coaching a couple and their 16 year old son. They wanted him to branch out more with volunteering so he could learn compassion. Within the question they asked is the problem. This question is asking how…
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I just met with a client who said his weekend didn’t go as well with his kids as it usually does. As he discussed what was going on in his life, it became apparent to both of us that he was under a lot of stress. This stress made him more irritable and impatient. He…
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A mom attended a parenting class of mine and left deciding that she didn’t want to use Time Outs as a punishment. Some experts teach that you put kids on Time Out according to their age as a means for them to realize you mean business. I never used this and I never teach parents…
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When my husband and I first sought Cynthia’s help, our house was a pretty chaotic place. We have three kids, and it was difficult to get them to do their chores or take accountability for their actions without threats of taking away screen time, cell phones, or play time. These threats and punishments didn’t seem to…
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.