The journey from childhood to adolescence is very challenging. Between the ages of 10 and 17 there are major changes in physical, cognitive, social, and moral development. The major task for adolescents is to establish their self-identity. By determining–as best they can–a sense of who they are, they attempt to find a group that reflects…
Details
Listening Builds Connection Mom Builds Bridges of Understanding With Her Teen Daughter Recently I started working privately with a mom who was struggling with getting into frequent arguments with her teenage daughter. The closeness they used to share was evaporating. She arrived to her second session very upset and feeling hopeless that the…
Details
Imagine that it is early morning and you are trying to get your 5 year-old out the door. As she puts her socks on she suddenly cries out, “These are too itchy! I don’t like these socks.” Or maybe your son cries out, “This tag is poking me.” How do you respond either in your…
Details
A True Parenting Success Story As a mother of two strong willed girls, ages 7 and 10, I thought I was helping my daughters to become better people and more responsible by trying to control them and by telling them what they should be doing. We were all frustrated with one another. Little did I…
DetailsA philosophical approach by Cynthia Klein, Parenting Coach and Educator bridges2understa.wpstagecoach.com “How do I get my daughter / son to clean their room?” “How do I get my kids to stop fighting?” “How do I get my child to do their homework and stop chatting on the internet?” Do you notice a pattern from these…
DetailsThe Girls Leadership Institute has classes for parents and daughters in the Bay Area as well as in Colorado, New Hersey and New York city. Here is their link http://www.girlsleadershipinstitute.org/programs/sf-bay-area See below for details and links for class registration California Programs August Parent-Daughter Workshops Portola Valley – 7th & 8th Grade Weekend Workshop – Friday,…
DetailsParenting is an opportunity for personal growth. Self reflection helps us be gentle with ourselves and forgiving. When your children “misbehave” they still love you. Please do not equate love with obedience. Children coming into our world love when loved yet they do not necessarily believe that pleasing their parents is a form of love.…
DetailsHere is a Parent Success Story told by an amazing mom of a 13 year-old boy. I started parenting coaching with Cynthia because I wanted to learn how to modify my communication style with my 13 year-old son. I wanted us to be able to communicate on a more harmonious level. He is very sensitive…
Details
Teens are at the developmental stage where their life focus is moving away from their family of origin to creating their own family in the future. Their prefrontal cortex, their thinking and analyzing brain, won’t be fully developed until the mid-20’s. So, as parents, we watch this process with often feelings of concern, fear, and…
DetailsWith Torrey Mandell Freeman, MS. Torrey, a certified parent educator, has a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She has co-taught paren/child activity groups at Parents Place and currently teaches the Toddler Social Club classes. The Birds and The Bees 101: Know What You’ll Say Before They Ask (5 – 10 years) Learn more about the most effective ways…
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.