The new year gives us a chance to pause and ask ourselves the big questions: “How am I doing? How can I improve?” If you’re a parent, perhaps you resolve to be a calmer one, a more consistent one, a stricter one, a more involved one. Maybe you’re thinking about the gap between the parent... Read more »
Do you have a picture of what the holidays should look like? Most of us do whether we admit it or not. And when the reality doesn't match the expectation you have in your head, it feels awful. Parents of acting-out kids know this firsthand because the reality so often doesn't match their expectations. And... Read more »
Do you find yourself in full-on homework battles most nights of the week? It’s no surprise that most children and teens will dig in their heels when it comes to doing schoolwork. Think of it this way: How many kids want to do something that isn’t particularly exciting or pleasant? Most would prefer to be playing video... Read more »
There’s a calendar date parents of Oppositional Defiant kids often cling to: the 18th Birthday. That magical day when your child becomes an adult and you are no longer responsible for him — at least not legally. Sure, you’ll still be his parent. But things will be different! No more power struggles, disrespect or refusal... Read more »
When you have an oversensitive child with a hair-trigger temper, it really puts you—and other family members—on edge. You begin to tip toe around him or her; you feel like you can’t be direct for fear of causing an angry, explosive response. You also start to feel responsible for your kid’s behavior and “take the... Read more »
“You can live with a broken heart, and you can die with one, but it’s terrible to have to do both.” --Quote from an estranged parent I’ve witnessed and have been affected by a parent-child relationship dissolving within my own family. There have also been many stories shared with our parent coaching team by parents going through either... Read more »
What’s one of the keys to avoiding constant fights with your child? Believe it or not, it’s the same skill that will help you through any crisis situation—your ability to remain calm. When your child is upset, anxious or angry, keeping your cool is half the battle. It’s a way for you to put out... Read more »
Parents don't want to admit an ugly truth—that sometimes they don't like their child. If you feel this way and are scared, it's okay. Parenting is challenging and often emotional, especially when our kids are defiant, disrespectful, or not who we wanted them to be. We all have expectations for how our kids should grow... Read more »
What can you do when your defiant child just absolutely refuses to get up and go to school? For many parents of defiant children, this is an every-day event. Parents who have not experienced this kind of defiance may immediately respond, “I’d make my kid go!” But without using physical means, how would you do... Read more »
Is your child playing video games instead of doing schoolwork? Is he avoiding social situations—and is his behavior worsening as a result of constant gaming? I’ve heard the desperation and concern in the voices of many, many parents whose kids seem to spend all their time playing video games. As one parent said, “I worry... Read more »