When I work with parents, I present an approach I call being your children’s ally. You set limits and expectations in a manner that usually feels like you are on their side. They can still get upset when their needs are blocked. Yet ultimately, they feel your love and support. I’m in the process of…
DetailsWhen I work privately with parents, I ask then to repeat back to me as closely as they can, a challenging “conversation” they had with their children. I listen without judgment to the words used and the underlying meaning that contributed to the problem interaction. Our approach to get kids to do something is often…
DetailsPractical Suggestions from Teaching with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen Motivation and Rewards 1. Part of the problem of low motivation is the way teachers treat students. 2. They do not need to be prodded, cajoled and motivated by bribes, management or threats. Ask yourself, “In what ways is the brain…
DetailsPractical Suggestions From Teaching With the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen Reducing Threats and Stress Stress contributes to more illness, poor pattern recognition and a weaker memory2 Approaches for reducing stress Manage conditions that can induce it Work on threats from outside of class, from other students and from yourself. Establish a start of…
DetailsPractical Suggestions from Teaching with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen Enriched Environments for the Brain Two critical ingredients in enrichment are challenge and feedback. Provide choices in the learning process: student’s option to select the complexity or type of a project, components, videos, partners, seating or the final format of the expected end…
DetailsAs children become older, they want and need to become more independent. This turns into a challenge for parents because this emerging independence often means that kids do not want to be told what to do. This separation process can lead to more conflicts and power struggles. It is important to evaluate your current parenting…
DetailsThink Outside by correspondent DeAnne Musolf, in February 23, 2014 Mercury News, cites research that outdoor play should take high priority. “Outdoor spaces give kids more spaces for creative play. Indoor there are only a finite number of things a kid can do. But, outdoors, they’re not going to do something rote — they are going…
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I’m speaking at Tierra Linda Middle School in San Carlos Thursday, Feb 6, 2014. We’ll be discussing how to reduce stress by learning how to be proactive and problem solve together. Step 1 is to avoid communication blocks which keep kids from feeling safe with parents. Without fefeling safe and that they won’t be judged,…
DetailsEach 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…
DetailsEvery parent wants their children to be successful. Our challenge is to provide a foundation of a life philosophy and life skills that allow our children to successfully navigate the inevitable challenges ahead. Let’s help children develop their inherent good and to bring forth their positive creativity. These will forge their indomitable selves so…
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.