Understanding our emotions and being able to discuss emotions with our children is key to family connection and happiness. Often, parents did not learn about the range of emotions growing up so being emotionally aware with children can be quite challenging. I gain great wisdom from Daniel Goleman’s book Emotional Intelligence. I encourage you to read…
DetailsI am a big proponent of developing emotional intelligence. I know that because I learned about emotions as an adult, I was able to build a strong emotional base for my relationship with my daughter while she was growing up. Because I had an understanding of and handle on my own emotions, i could keep…
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Imagine you are having a power struggle with your middler. You know, when you feel angry, frustrated, and maybe even powerless because your child is not cooperating. You could even be thinking, “You are so inconsiderate “, “You’re defying me”, or even “You’re trying to test me.” Parents often feel crazy when they are trying…
DetailsWords about raising children from Daisaku Ikeda, President of the SGI World Wide Organization. World Renown author and poet. From his book A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays. pg 32and 33. Sadly, some parents try to use their children as a means to give expression to their own vanity and pride, trying to force them…
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I have total confidence that a dedicated parent can learn how to create happier relationships with their kids. Knowing that I believe in your ability to grow, I’d like to touch on a difficult subject concerning how parents can get into a negative cycle with their kids. What is your “mantra” concerning your kids? What…
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Today, the webinar participants and myself had a great time learning 3 Key Points for building greater cooperation with teens. One mom said the webinar was “a fantastic and powerful talk today.” Soon the 45 minute webinar with power point slides will be available. The 3 Points I covered were: 1. Develop a vision of…
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Emotional Changes for Children Ages 11 – 13 Source: Your Child’s Emotional Health, Philadelphia Child Guidance Center © 1993 Fears Failure in school, sports or social popularity Looking and acting “strange” Death or life-threatening illness or disease Sex (attracting others, repelling other, being attacked) Being fooled or “brainwashed” Losing possessions, being robbed Sexuality Increased…
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Co-written by: Jennifer Klein (during her teen years, circa 2004) Back in 2004, when I was teaching a parenting class focused on teenagers, I asked my daughter what she felt were the essential needs of a teenager. She was 16 at the time. I believe her wisdom is timeless. #1: Support Anything from going to…
DetailsCertain words have a tendency to “poison” communication. They can turn conversations into arguments and escalate emotions to unmanageable levels.Poison words are often used when people are angry or frustrated and they can cause people to lose their tempers or become defensive. You should try to avoid using these words and phrases during negotiations. (These…
DetailsEffective Discipline Point # 3: Respectful Jane Nelsen, PhD. has written numerous parenting books that are based on positive discipline. She says that for discipline to be effective; it needs to contain these four qualities. Maintains a sense of connection Is effective long term Respectful Teaches social and life skills which develop good character. Here…
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.