For many parents, getting their kids to do their homework is a nightly struggle. Some kids refuse to do their homework. Others claim that they don't have homework, but then the report card comes out, and you realize that their work was not being done. So why is homework time so difficult? In my opinion,... Read more »
Raising kids in a single-parent home has its own unique set of challenges that require confidence, resilience, and courage. It's hard enough to raise kids with a partner, but it's a different matter altogether when you're alone, overburdened, and under-supported. I was talking with a single mom recently who described her day like this: "I rush... Read more »
Homework, chores, TV, computer time, bedtime: are each of these areas potential land mines that can start a fight with your child each night? If you answer that question with a “yes,” you’ve already taken the first step toward making things better. You’ve recognized that there is a pattern of behavior and interaction... Read more »
Having a young child in school can be a mixed blessing for parents. You might be relieved that your child is in a routine and you no longer have to organize their day for them. But if your child has behavior problems, school can suddenly become a major stress point for you, your child, and... Read more »
You: “Please put your things away.” Your child: “I’m busy. I’ll do it later.” You: “You need to do your homework.” Your child: “It’s stupid. I’m not doing it!” You: “You’re not allowed to go to that party. You’re grounded.” Your child: “NO! I’m not grounded! I’m going!” Does it... Read more »
“There’s a sale on school supplies,” I told my then 11-year-old son. “Let’s go. You can pick out all your own binders and folders.” “Mom, you are ruining summer,” he wailed. “I don’t want to think about school. I hate school!” This was not news to me. He struggled with ADHD and school demanded he be—and do—all... Read more »
Most parents would love to see their kids manage their intense emotions without falling apart or taking their frustrations out on others. It's hard to watch your children react to their upset feelings by flying off the handle, holding a grudge, complaining or insulting the people around them when their emotions are running high. As... Read more »
Sarah is trying to get her 3-year-old son Sam into the car to go to the library, when he suddenly decides that not only is his car seat a form of torture, but that he doesn’t want to go to the library after all. While trying to maintain her composure and calmly get Sam buckled,... Read more »
“I’ve told you to clean your room 1,000 times!” Why nagging your child, yelling and repeating yourself don’t work—and how to talk to your kids so they will listen. Here’s the truth: nagging and arguing with your child doesn’t work. We parents often get in a rut—out of stress, frustration or just not knowing any other... Read more »
It seems whenever you turn on any news program there’s a frightening story about today’s youth: violence, vandalism, risky behavior and outright refusal to follow parental or societal rules. The fact is there have always been a certain number of people – youth and adults – who engage in criminal behavior, since the beginning of... Read more »