Making excuses may start innocently enough—kids don't like consequences, and they make excuses to get out of them. It's annoying, but we tolerate it. But over time, children may use excuses as a way to avoid responsibility. And the more a child avoids responsibility, the more excuses are needed to get by in the world. And... Read more »
The start of every school year brings all sorts of images to mind: shopping for clothes and school supplies, getting back into a routine of dinner and bedtimes that may have become relaxed during summer, and relief from arguing siblings who have been stuck together 24/7 for the past three months. Many parents are relieved... Read more »
Whether you are recently divorced or have been for some time, don't worry that you have ruined your child's life. You haven't. While divorce can be a big part of your child's life, what will determine their ultimate quality of life is still in the hands of each parent. Can children be affected negatively by... Read more »
Many times on the parent coaching team, we hear from parents who say something like this: “My teen went out with friends last night. I think they were drinking, but I’m not sure. What kind of consequence can I give my child to make sure that this doesn’t happen again?” When I get calls like this,... Read more »
We’ve all heard the following phrases from our kids: “Stop touching me!” “Give that back!” “Knock it off!” “MOM, he took my stuff!” “DAD, she won’t stay on her side of the car!” Sometimes it’s simply annoying and frustrating, like fingernails on a chalkboard. Other times, arguments cross the line into verbal and physical abuse. If... Read more »
Why do so many kids act entitled? No matter what they get—clothes, sneakers, toys, gadgets—they seem to want more and don't understand why they can't have it immediately. It can be incredibly frustrating when your child reacts with a bad attitude or acting-out behavior when you say 'no' to a request. You think to yourself:... Read more »
When your child is making poor choices and acting out, it’s easy to let shame eat you up inside. You wonder, “Where have I gone wrong as a parent? Why is he behaving this way?" And, "What must other people be thinking?” The danger here is that these feelings can create a negative cycle. When... Read more »
If your child is acting out physically by abusing you or other family members, destroying property, or threatening others, then you may want to consider talking proactively with the police. This step to work collaboratively with the police before you actually need them can save you a great deal of grief down the road. We understand... Read more »
Recently, there have been several stories in the news about violence in children and what can—and should—be done about it. A five-year-old boy was taken out of his Kindergarten class in handcuffs in Indiana, and the same thing happened to a six-year-old girl in Louisiana. Talk shows and the news media have been hosting shows on... Read more »
“I can’t take it anymore. My child is so disrespectful to me—especially in front of other people. I feel like a failure as a parent.” “My teen is failing three classes. She’s throwing her life away. I’m so worried about her I can’t sleep.” “My kid makes me crazy. He’s so angry and hardheaded. He always has... Read more »