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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by Madeline Levine, Ph.D. Remembering What Really Matters March 31, 2015 I was asked to write this blog on “grit.” A concept I mostly endorse and a word that simply annoys me. Of course hard work, persistence and diligence are good character traits. Although educator and author Alfie Kohn certainly has a point when he…
DetailsParents need to set rules and guidelines. Many kids resist feeling controlled and even if they want to help, they won’t maybe because they don’t like being told what to do or they are mad at you from a previous event. In the article, Boundaries and Rules or Limits are Different, I share how to state…
Details“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.…
DetailsMy wife and I contacted Cynthia for three reasons. 1. How to deal with our very physical son, 2. we wanted to come together more on our parenting approach, and 3. to stop the fighting between our two sons. Over two months we have made great progress. With Cynthia’s advice, our parenting approach is more…
DetailsI’m a mom of three children ages 7, 5, and 3. I contacted Cynthia primarily because of my 5 year-old daughter’s screaming and my screaming in return. I wanted to learn how to discipline my children more effectively so my kids would cooperate. I also wanted a much better relationship with my daughter. I’ve been…
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1. Make your primary connection with your partner, or a person of your own generation. Children are NOT the primary connection. Couples who focus on the children as their reason for being together, lose touch with each other and often the original reason you are together. Children grow up and leave the nest. If you…
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Each parent-child 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 learn important life skills. When our children learn how to resolve conflicts, the joyful result…
DetailsThese Parenting Problems All Have Solutions Children are not listening and not following directions. You don’t know how to solve problems with your kids. Child gets upset easily from “minor” triggers and lashes out. Teenager won’t talk to you which scares you. Too much angry and disrespectful behavior by you and your children. You and…
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I didn’t realize how much personal growth I would have to go through in order to become a parent I was proud of… Like every other parent, I made (and make) mistakes. My pride comes from being a parent who continually self-reflects and tries to learn from my challenges with my daughter. Rearing children is…
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.