Every parent messes up. We say things we don’t mean. We yell at our kids because we are tired. We sometimes blame our children for things they never did. We may accuse our children of behaving badly when that was never there intention. In all these situations we can and should say we are sorry. […]
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What is it about whining that drives most parents up the wall? Is it the nagging, annoying, shrill sound of it? Or maybe that it always starts at the most inconvenient time? We should remember that everyone whines once in a while. Adults do it- we have just learned to modulate our voice so that […]
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Sometimes I feel like my world is spinning out of control. There is always so much to do, laundry, grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning. In our fast paced world it is important to stop and think about effective ways to manage our time. Julie Morgenstern, in her book “Time Management from the Inside Out” advises […]
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Positive psychologist have been studying ways to help people find authentic happiness. Researchers report that, “utilizing one’s strengths correlates with greater creativity, productivity, and excellence – all ingredients of professional and career success. On the personal side, maximizing the use of personal strengths yields greater happiness and feelings of well-being”. We can apply this principle […]
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It is often lamented that children are misbehaving more and more. Whining, tantrums, back talk are the norm. Parents are often at a loss on how to manage their children’s negative behavior and struggle to set limits and stick to their rules. Most adults would agree that they are uncomfortable asserting authority in their home […]
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It is helpful to remember that it is normal for all children to whine, cry and tantrums and get mad at their siblings. We cannot fully stop this type of behavior. Getting along with others within the family is a lifelong pursuit. Everyone, adults included whine, cry, sulk, and behave badly. It is just a part of life. Managing our family’s bad moods, including our own, is just part of the job description under the heading of Mom. Don’t fight it. How you react lays the groundwork for how your child will manage her moods and conflicts later on in life.
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When praising children we should avoid using evaluative praise, “good boy”, good job” or “your the best.” We should use descriptive praise, which has 3 components: 1. Describe what you see 2. Describe how it made you feel 3. Sum up the behavior in a word Learn more great skills like these to communicate more […]
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Children are always excited to get notes and just the novelty of it will usually ensure cooperation. Teenagers like it because it is silent; there is no nagging voice to listen to. Often children will write a note back. Learn more great skills like these to communicate more effectively with your child in our “How […]
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Note the neutral and non-confrontational tone with just changing a few words around in a sentence. Giving information reduces conflict. Learn more great skills like these to communicate more effectively with your child in our “How To Talk” telephone workshop. Adapted From: Faber, A., Mazlish, E. (1999). How To Talk So Kids Will Listen. NY: Harper […]
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Do your children respond to your wise and sensible advice with eye rolling and annoyance? Join the club. Here is what you need to know to get your children to listen to you and respond positively to your advice. Children and teens have a hard time accepting advice from their parents. Giving advice to children […]
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Imagine… your children listening to you the FIRST TIME! The How To Talk So Kids Will Listen Workshop will show you how to create a calmer, happier family environment. Here’s the HTML code for the...
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Instead of telling children what not to do, tell them what they can do. This fundamental principle is the trick to communicating effectively with children especially those exhibiting oppositional behavior. Don’t directions “Don’t put your feet on the table” “Don’t go in the street” “Don’t be naughty” “Don’t be so loud” “Don’t be obnoxious” “Don’t […]
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Does your child always seem to have some sort of problem every time you try to leave? Does your child come home from school in a bad mood? Do you battle with your child to get his coat on? Your child probably has trouble with transitions. Adaptability is the ability to make smooth transitions. Some […]
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What is “misbehavior”? Here are excerpts from a number of parenting books that will help us understand the nature of “misbehavior.” Enjoy: “When you look closely you will see that misbehavior is...
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My daughter drove home from a party after curfew with 2 friends in the car. This is illegal in our state. She was honest with me and told me what happened. Her friend was drunk and my daughter volunteered to drive her home. I don’t know what to […]
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When parents ask me, ” How do I teach my child to be kind?” I tell them, instead of focusing on the times your child is unkind, be on the lookout for any little act of kindness on their part. Point it out to them. Try to ignore the times that they are unkind. When […]
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Positive Psychology is a recent branch of psychology that deals with theories and practices involving human happiness. Positive Psychologist are encouraging patients to focus on what they have accomplished and done right during the day instead of what they have not accomplished or what has gone wrong. They maintain that this shift of attitude can […]
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Dear Adina, My 5-year old son has been stealing. I found money that he had taken from a neighbor’s house. He also came home from school with money I know for sure he didn’t get from me. He denies that he took it and says he does not know where it came from. How can […]
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Ever just had a bad day where everything you say or do seems to be wrong? Are there days where you just seem to be in slow motion? We all experience days like that. Low states and bad moods are an annoying but intrinsic part of life. I call these types of days, “Alexander and […]
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Positive Psychology is a recent branch of psychology that has developed theories and practices involving human happiness. Practitioners of positive psychology encourage people to increase their well-being by shifting attention to the more positive aspects of life. Their suggestions include: 1. Every evening think over your day and note your accomplishments, what went right. 2. […]
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