If you spend much time on EmpoweringParents.com, you’ve probably noticed that we talk a lot about "accountability." But have you ever wondered what it means to hold your child accountable? It’s an excellent question and one that we receive often during online parent coaching. When we talk about accountability with our kids, we are most... Read more »
Why do some kids try to become the so-called "alpha dogs" of their families? The answer lies in an old saying: nature abhors a vacuum. And in my experience, if there's a power vacuum in a family, somebody's going to try to fill it. And too often, it's a bossy or domineering child. "If your child... Read more »
What do you do if you find out that your child is a bully? Perhaps you received a phone call from your child's school. Or maybe from another parent. Either way, if you think your child is bullying others, it’s very important to start working with him or her now. This behavior is already hurting... Read more »
I've worked with many parents who are frustrated because their child won't accept 'no' for an answer. Too often, these parents feel it's important to explain their reasoning in an attempt to get their child to understand. Unfortunately, wanting your child to understand can easily shift into wanting their approval or acceptance of your reasons.... Read more »
Does your child often perceive himself as being right when he's wrong and wrong when he's right? Does he wonder why everyone is always mad at him? Some children have a hard time reading social cues and it has a profound impact on their behavior. Misreading social cues can include not understanding other people's words,... Read more »
In part two of this series on running away, James tells you how to handle it when your child is on the streets, and what to say when they come home—including giving them consequences for their actions. [Editor’s Note: The intent of this article is to support parents in situations where their child uses running away... Read more »
What do you do when your spouse doesn’t parent the same way you do? Hands-down, this is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Empowering Parents. “I want to set limits and give consequences, but he thinks I’m being too hard on our kids,” said one mother recently. “I’m tired of being... Read more »
Does your child always insist that they're right and everyone else is wrong? Some kids have a bad habit of asserting their opinions by drowning out everyone else in the room—regardless of whether or not they know what they're talking about. Understandably, this overbearing behavior can be annoying and frustrating for both parents and family... Read more »
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often difficult to parent. They have trouble understanding directions. They have trouble with social situations. And those with hyperactivity issues are usually in a constant state of activity. It's an understatement to say that parenting kids with ADHD is a special challenge. In my 25 years as... Read more »
Do you ever feel as if your relationship with your child has become one long, drawn-out (and exhausting) power struggle? If you're in this situation, it probably seems like you simply progress from nagging your child over dirty laundry on the floor in the morning to arguing over bedtime at night. As they get older,... Read more »