Summer is a time of decreased stress, i.e. no homework, which can mean less conflict and more time and opportunity to build closer relationships within your family. Here are three ways to start building family closeness right away. Be bold and establish a “No electronics” time for the entire family. This rule applies to everyone…
Details
As summertime approaches, many parents I talk with express concern about setting time limits on video games and social media, establishing clear expectations, and maintaining consistent follow through. I recommend that rather than telling kids to stop what they’re doing, parents focus on the positive things you expect from your children and the wonderful activities…
Details
How We Turned Conflict About Video Games Limits Into Cooperation Below is a success story, written by one of my coaching clients after we spent time dealing with a particular issue they were facing with their 12 year old son. .. My husband and I reached out to Cynthia for help with the many challenges…
Details
Listening to Your Kids’ Struggles Without Your “Stuff” Getting in the Way From my experience of teaching and coaching hundreds of parents (plus raising my own daughter), learning how to listen and build connection is the foundation to a harmonious home. When children are upset about an issue in their own life, it can trigger…
Details
Listening to Your Kids’ Struggles Without Your Stress Getting in the Way From my experience of teaching and coaching hundreds of parents plus raising my own daughter, learning how to listen and build connection is the foundation to harmonious home. This blog post is the workshop style handout I used to guide the parents who…
Details
The Supporter Parenting Role: The “Boredom Problem” Example Child: “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” Potential parent responses: “What do you mean you’re bored and there’s nothing to do? You can help me fold the laundry, play with your sister, or read.” “I buy you all of these toys, and you just ignore them.” “When…
Details
Several of my client’s children struggle with anxiety stemming from fears of what might happen. It’s important to note: anxiety can plague children no matter what age they are. This can lead to rigidity and resistance to change even though they will enjoy the next activity. Anxiety is complicated, and it is real. Recently, I …
Details
One thing that both children and parents experience alike, is fear. A main challenge I hear from parents is how to listen to their fearful child without their own fears preventing them from being the supportive parent their child needs. Fear Is Normal To begin the process of guiding your child through fear, be aware…
Details
A.K.A…How to Follow the Ally Road to Family Collaboration There are numerous forks in the road while you are having a conflict with your child. At each fork, you make decisions about how you will think and act. You can choose the adversarial road that escalates the conflict, or the ally road that deescalates the…
Details
I was the youngest of three kids and the only girl in my family. What I remember most from my childhood is saying, “Mommy, Peter’s picking on me!” One time, I got so angry with my older brother that I chased him with a pair of scissors and stabbed his bedroom door as he slammed…
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.