When your teen is angry and screaming at you, the temptation for many of us is to fight back and scream louder so you “win” the argument. But what does that do? It's natural to want to push back or stand up for yourself if someone pushes your buttons or provokes you in some way.... Read more »
There are few things in the world that hurt a parent more than hearing their child say, "I hate you." The words cut like a knife. The child you love so much and have sacrificed for in so many ways now hates you. "I hate you, mom! I wish you were dead!" "You are the worst mom... Read more »
“I’m ugly.” “Everyone hates me.” “I’m going to fail—I’m too stupid to pass this test.” Why are teens and pre–teens often insecure, anxious and over–sensitive? Adolescence is a risky, dangerous time of life. Your child is attempting to figure out who he is, how he wants to be in the world and how others perceive him.... Read more »
Do you often feel overwhelmed as the parent of an ODD child? Kimberly Abraham and Marney Studaker-Cordner have worked with parents of kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder for 20 years—and Kim is the parent of an adult child with ODD. Read on to find out the 5 things you need to know to be a... Read more »
Countless parents write to Empowering Parents and say, "I don't know how to make my child behave. He's out of control, and people blame me for his behavior. I feel guilty and ashamed most of the time and very alone. It's the worst feeling in the world." The truth is, you're not supposed to know... Read more »
"It's not my fault. That's not fair!" How many times has your child shouted this when she’s upset? Although it’s often difficult to know how to respond to this as a parent, understand that it’s normal for children and teens to feel this way from time to time. Kids have keener “fairness detectors” than we... Read more »
Nobody understands what it’s like to parent an oppositional, defiant child unless you have one. The exhaustion, isolation and feelings of helplessness and shame can be debilitating for any parent. Kim Abraham and Marney Studaker-Cordner understand where you’re coming from, because they’ve worked with parents of kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder for 20 years—and Kim... Read more »
At some point as a parent, you will likely be faced with the dreaded email from your child’s teacher telling you that your kid has crossed the line and that you need to come in for another conference. Or the principal will call to tell you that your teen has missed the last week of... Read more »
Editor’s note: At the beginning of the year, we asked you, our readers, to send us real questions specific to your family’s situation. Our first article in our new series, Real Questions from Real Parents, deals with something most parents can relate to: backtalk, name-calling and disrespect. All questions are answered by a member of our parent... Read more »
Has your child been caught stealing from you or someone else? Have you found them using your credit card for online gaming, taking money from your wallet without asking, or even taking big-ticket items from your house? The anger, disappointment, and lack of trust you feel can be destructive to your relationship. Empowering Parents coach... Read more »