Most parents have a difficult time hearing the “boredom complaint.” Parents think to themselves, “How could my kid be bored?” and off they go with numerous remarks that are not helpful and instead feel hurtful. This is a normal response, we always seek to solve problems, especially when it comes to our kids. “What do…
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Below is a framework by which you can begin your own assessment of the self-esteem within your family (and steps that can then be taken to reflect on/improve in areas that may have fallen behind). Only if children’s basic emotional needs are filled, can they learn to like and value themselves. For this reason, understanding…
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Often parents are so stressed by time and energy restraints that all they can think of is how to handle the challenge at that moment. The challenge can range from leaving the house on time, getting homework done, getting ready for bed up to not knowing where your teenager is and your teenager is not answering…
DetailsSpecial Developmental Stages of Girls Ages 9 – 12 Forming an Identity as An Achiever Ages 13 – 16 Skill Building for Self-Esteem Reflection topic: Observe how your daughter is showing you through her actions and words that she is grappling with developing her own identity. Look beyond the tendency to be upset with your daughter’s…
DetailsThe results were quicker homework time. A couple came in for private coaching. One of their struggles is that their 8 year old daughter takes forever to do homework. They wanted her to do it as soon as she got home. She kept not focusing and dawdling, taking much longer than necessary. The mom kept…
DetailsWhen 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 naturally…
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…
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.