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Blog Posts by Scott Wardell

Dec
31
Posted By: Scott Wardell
Comments: 4

We want our children to learn to speak and communicate.  We want them to become independent thinkers.  We also want them, someday, to stand on their own.  Well, believe it or not, these are some of the key factors to explain why some children argue with their parents.  According to the Department of Families, “arguments between brothers and sisters are one of the ways that children learn to respect other people’s belongings and feelings.”  Children are just like adults.  We like to present our ideas and sometimes argue to express our opinions or points of view.  Children, however, are just beginning to learn how to argue without being disrespectful.  Below are some pointers to help parents teach their child how to share their thoughts without offending others.

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Sep
18
Posted By: Scott Wardell
Comments: 3

This week, EP Blogger and counselor Scott Wardell shares his thoughts about how to build character in kids. We think you’ll get a lot out of what he has to say! And please chime in if you have some good tips of your own to share.  — Elisabeth Wilkins, EP Editor

1. Make Parenting Your First Priority: Parents are busy.  We go to work, pay our bills, rush ourselves and other family members to activities, visit friends and relatives and yes, try to get some sleep.  But none of this “busyness” is real parenting.  Parenting involves the raising, teaching and nurturing of a child or children.  One of the main roles of a parent is to provide a safe environment where a child has a chance to grow physically, emotionally and socially.  It’s important that this environment allows a child an opportunity to build character.  Too often, we chose to make other activities in our lives a higher priority, leaving parenting to the daycare centers, schools and activity leaders.  Parenting is a privilege.  Make it your first priority.

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Jun
15
Posted By: Scott Wardell
Comments: 4

Is your teen all fired up about getting a job this summer? While working part-time can be a really positive experience for a teenager, there are a number of real considerations parents need to make when the subject comes up.

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Mar
13
Posted By: Scott Wardell
Comments: 4

We all want our children to have good manners, but it can be a hard thing to teach them at times!  I think you should start early with kids — manners can and should be taught to children as soon as they begin to talk.  (Saying “please” and “thank you” are the basics.) I’ve found that parents who model good manners in front of their children often see them beginning to use appropriate manners on their own.

If your child has bad manners, try implementing some of the “Manners Matter” list below.  Don’t be afraid to over-exaggerate your good manners in front of your child.  Let you child know that good manners are important.

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Feb
27
Posted By: Scott Wardell
Comments: 2

Some children demand constant attention and will not take “no” for an answer.  Just as children need to learn the importance of saying “please” and “thank you,” they need to learn how to appropriately make requests. If you’re the parent of a demanding child, rest assured that this is not a new problem and there are many, many people in the same boat. Demanding behavior from children is as old as Socrates…and remember, a demanding child provides a parent with an opportunity to teach.

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