I learned from Patty Wipfler, who created Hand in Hand Parenting the invaluable skill of having an adult listening partner. In order to be able to listen to our children, we need a way to release our own feelings that get in the way of being present and meeting our kids’ needs. She has developed…
DetailsI have a 15 year-old daughter who gets mad at me when I try to help her. I discovered from working with Cynthia that my “help” wasn’t helpful. I picked her up from school one day and she was very upset because she was not able to finish her Chemistry homework despite the help of…
Details“Why did you hit your brother?” “Well, Mom, I’m feeling jealous that you spend so much time with him since he was born. I feel neglected and I resent you so I take out my hurt feelings on him. I’d be happier if you didn’t have him. Aren’t I enough?” Have you ever received a…
Details
Let’s say you gave unwanted advice to your child about homework and your child responded with hurtful comments like “I hate you. Why are you so mean? Leave me alone. I didn’t ask for your help. You don’t understand. I hate my life.” You realize you did a communication block of unwanted advice and you want…
Details
The core of many family problems I hear about is the inability to listen openly to a suffering child without trying to eliminate their pain in some way. Instead of making a child feel better, your loving “help” can have the opposite effect. Your attempts at fixing can make them feel undervalued, unimportant, and unsupported;…
Details
Parents rarely try to shut down their kids. We want them to talk with us. Often, when our words and attitudes break down communication and everyone becomes upset, we are confused. What happened? Our words, without our awareness, suddenly felt hurtful to our kids, and they either got very angry with us or stopped talking.…
Details
I was coaching a single dad with his 11 year-old son on how to build connection. They were going to have fun time and we were in a situation without any games available. The computer and phone were available yet electronics can stifle the creative juices and laughter from flowing between parent and child, while…
DetailsBy 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…
DetailsAs a director, you set up structure to guide your children to fulfill their responsibilities when they don’t want to. Even after problem solving together, they may ignore you or resist your reminders. This is the time to use an effective director strategy. The after-then or work-before-play strategy is one of my favorites because it…
DetailsHi Cynthia, I attended your talk about how to encourage your kids to do what you need them to do and I tried it out today. I spent 6 minutes this morning with my older son and we just did what he wanted to do. With that quality time, it was amazing how it transformed…
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.