I’m a dad of an eight year old girl. Here is my story of how just one parenting class from Cynthia taught me how to gain greater cooperation from my daughter.
I have struggled like many dads with getting my 8 year-old daughter up and to school on time. I took a parenting class with Cynthia and started making morning changes that has reduced my stress and improved my outlook in the morning.
Before my new parenting skills, I would start out being kind and gentle with my daughter and then end up getting upset and constantly reminding her to get ready. It would start with reminding her to get out of bed, then to stay on task instead of playing, to get dressed, eat breakfast and then when to leave. I became upset and frustrated because we barely got to school on time every morning and I like to be early.
I learned three key ideas that have shifted my attitude and approach. The first is to actually think about what I am doing instead of doing the same and expecting a different result. The second is to realize that an 8 year-old doesn’t feel the time pressure like I do. This helps me be more patient and not expect her to rush like an adult. The third idea is to let her become part of the solution rather than just seeing her as the problem.
Right away I started managing my own feelings and became more patient. Then I started to ask her to help. I talked about the consequence of being late. “When we’re late then we need to go to the office and get a tardy slip. I also need to be on time to my work so I don’t get in trouble. The way you can help is by doing the things I’m asking you as soon as you can.”
Because she feels important in getting us to school and work on time, she is getting ready faster. I only need to remind her two times rather than ten times. I’m happier and she’s happier. We are still barely on time so I’m working with Cynthia to do more problem solving and planning in the evening. I’ll be discussing with my daughter how she can take more responsibility and get herself up in the morning.
Cynthia’s advice has already made big changes in our life. Thank you Cynthia and I look forward to learning more parenting skills and creating an even happier family.
©2013 Cynthia Klein, Bridges 2 Understanding, has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. She works with parents and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking and private parenting coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the Parenting on the Peninsula magazine. She works with parents of 4 – 24 year-old children. Contact Cynthia at bridges2understa.wpstagecoach.com, cynthia@bridges2understanding,com, or 650. 679.8138 to learn more about creating the relationship you want with your children.
