People talk a lot about the need for “boundaries,” but what does this word really mean? As a parent, you can think of a boundary as the line you draw around yourself to define where you end and where your child begins. This isn’t always easy. And let’s face it, kids push the boundaries every... Read more »
"I wouldn't be in trouble at school if my mom had just written me an excuse," complained a teen I was counseling recently. "And the teacher didn't have to fail me–he could've let me off with a warning!" As I listened to this bright 15-year-old kid explain why everyone was at fault for his situation... Read more »
As spring kicks into high gear, many parents struggle with the anxiety they associate with prom and graduation season. Parents of chronically misbehaved kids might wonder, “Does my child even deserve this privilege?” Other parents are nervous that their child might do drugs, drink, have sex—or all of the above. The high cost of prom... Read more »
You hear that you should let your child face natural consequences, but what exactly does this mean? Many parents struggle with this concept because they don’t fully understand what constitutes a "natural" consequence. And sometimes parents have difficulty relinquishing control because they feel they always have to get their child to obey. I’ve talked to many... Read more »
As a parent, when all else fails, sometimes all you can do is laugh. But did you also know that finding the humor in a situation is actually a helpful coping skill that, when used correctly, can be very effective? For starters, laughter helps give you some objectivity and allows you to find common ground... Read more »
"If I didn't put his homework in his folder, put the folder in his backpack, and ask the teacher to get him to take it out, he would never turn in any homework," says a mother of a son with ADHD. "I have to sit right with her to get her to do her homework. It... Read more »
You know the drill: Your child is screaming at you, ignoring you, being irresponsible or hurtful. Suddenly, you’re yelling at the top of your lungs, matching him decibel for decibel. Later, you think, “Why did I fly off the handle again? I’m so tired of letting him push my buttons so easily.” Yelling is a natural... Read more »
How many times has this gone through your head? Your “difficult” child—the defiant one who’s constantly acting out and upsetting everyone—has just done it again. Maybe he’s called his little sister a foul name, smashed your favorite framed family photo, or screamed in your face. In a moment of defeat, you think, “What... Read more »
"Too often, parents work under the faulty assumption that if they can simply explain things to a child having a tantrum, the child will fall in line and stop misbehaving. As a result, many parents talk above the developmental level of their toddler." Knowing how to handle your child or toddler effectively can feel overwhelming at times.... Read more »
We often forget that children aren't born with a built-in sense of respect for others. Our children need to be taught to be respectful. Think about it, babies are born having to manipulate their world to get their needs met, and they do this primarily by crying. Crying is natural and appropriate for babies—it's how... Read more »