Connecting with kids is essential for being a positive influence in their lives and having a peaceful relationship. Here are five ways to achieve a connection with your child. Most parents hope they’ll form a strong bond with their child. That they’ll be able to share advice with them about being true to oneself, living…
A child’s basic needs include their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. All children need their basic needs met in order to thrive throughout childhood and adulthood. When a child’s social, emotional, and physical needs are met, they’re given a sure foundation on which to experience a happy childhood and achieve their full potential. It’s also…
Building a strong parent child relationship requires five key elements that not only bond us to our children but improve our ability to coach, guide, and discipline them. Imagine this: A relationship with your child where you feel at ease, have open and honest dialogue, and consistently share mutual respect and trust. The kind of…
Raising an independent child not only defies conventional parenting advice, it also leads to a more peaceful and positive parent-child relationship. Ask parents what character traits they’d most like to see in their kids and independence and responsibility top the list. But what most parents don’t realize is that in order to raise kids with…
These thirty-five positive parenting quotes will inspire you to build a more peaceful and loving relationship with your child – a relationship that research shows results in better outcomes for both parent and child. Positive parenting – also known as authoritative, peaceful parenting or positive discipline – is defined as: “Positive parenting is focused on…
It is possible to model and teach kids respect without allowing them to walk all over us. Here are four ways to make that happen. “You’re stupid!” your child yells as she crosses her arms and stomps her feet, giving you the stink eye. Your offense? Telling her that she needs to wait to have…
The word “consequence” in parenting has come to mean different things to different people. But in order to truly teach kids a lesson, a consequence must have certain characteristics. “Kids need to experience the consequences of their actions.” For any parent whose goal it is to raise a self-sufficient child, those words ring true. Our…
Understanding the difference between punishment and discipline and why it matters can help guide us towards more effective parenting. It’s not unusual for parents to be confused by the differences between punishment and discipline. In our modern language the two words are often used interchangeably, even though they originally meant very different things. And when…
Having a disobedient child can be frustrating, to say the least. Inside are four steps you can take to help address your child’s misbehavior and turn that behavior around. Having a disobedient child is one of the most aggravating, irritating, stressful, and downright frustrating parenting experiences. Especially if it seems our child is chronically disobedient:…
Strong problem-solving skills are essential for our kids to navigate the world independently. And as our children grow in their ability to problem-solve, they’ll demonstrate greater autonomy and responsibility, making parenting easier. Problem-solving is one of nine important 21st-century skills our kids need. Click the link to see the full list. Mom, I forgot my…
Letting our kids experience the natural consequences of their decisions and actions can strengthen their confidence and self-sufficiency – but only when our kids are developmentally ready and only in certain circumstances. It’s a beautiful, sunny day and your daughter is eager to do one of her favorite things: ride around your neighborhood on her…
Many parents try to use consequences to change their child’s misbehavior but find they’re ineffective. Here’s why that happens, how to determine when a consequence will be effective, and seven alternative parenting tools that often work better. Your daughter has been playing with Magnatiles for the past hour. You love that she’s so engaged in…
It is possible to teach responsibility and stop doing everything for your children. Here are three ways to lead your kids towards greater independence. “It’s time to get up!” you exclaim for the fourth time as you stick your head into your thirteen-year-old son’s bedroom. Every morning it’s a struggle to get him out of…
Kind but firm parenting involves setting clear limits for kids while also maintaining a strong, healthy relationship. Here’s how to do it. With a big smile on his face, your five-year-old takes a handful of sand, stands up, and gleefully throws it into the air. He’s in awe over the way the grains scatter in…
Established family rules help everyone know what’s expected of them. Here’s your guide to best practices for developing and establishing your family’s rules. Plus, five rules every family should have. “No one told me I had to clean up!” my daughter exclaimed after I asked her to put away her paint, paper, and brushes strewn…
Family meetings build connection and closeness, teach kids life skills, and can be parents’ secret tool to encourage kids to be more cooperative. Here’s everything you need to know to start and run a successful family meeting. “We agreed upon it at our family meeting,” my friend explained when I asked how she gets her…
Misbehaving children can be baffling to parents. But understanding why your child misbehaves can lead to positive solutions to change the bad behavior for good. Every evening it happens — the bedtime struggle. “Time to put on your pajamas,” you say in as gentle a voice as possible. “No!” your son exclaims while simultaneously running…
Trying to be a perfect parent for your child can actually do them more harm than good. Here’s why imperfect parents make the best parents for kids’ emotional health. “Mom, it was pajama day today and I was the only one not wearing pajamas!” my daughter exclaimed moments after descending from the school bus. Her…
Inside: Is it possible to have siblings without rivalry? Two experts provide solutions to sibling rivalry including what specifically parents should do when kids fight. “You smell!” “I hate you!” “You’re such a liar!” How many times have you heard exclamations like these exchanged between your kids? Often yelled. Sometimes accompanied by physicality. At one…
Positive parenting methods emphasize trust and respect. And are the most effective way to support children’s self-esteem and self-sufficiency. “No! I won’t!” my toddler cried as she stood by the door, arms folded and tears streaming down her face. We were in a battle to get her jacket on. And as her parent, I needed…
One of the most challenging aspects of parenting is trying to motivate kids to do things they don’t want to do. These eight tips (and a whole lot of patience!) can help. It’s 4 PM on a Sunday afternoon and you’re about to lose your nerve. Your son had all weekend to clean his room…
Parenting a strong-willed child can test even the most patient adult. Yet these children have characteristics that can serve them well as adults. Here’s how to keep that strong-will alive while also maintaining a healthy relationship. (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I receive a commission…
It can be challenging to raise selfless children in a world full of self-centeredness. Here are nine ways parents can encourage kids to think of others before themselves. “He has more cereal than me!” my daughter wailed from her favorite seat at the kitchen counter. “No! She has more than me!” my son quickly pointed…
Raise kids who are responsible and eager to help with this advice. (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you.) I’m excited to share an excerpt from Heather Turgeon’s and Julie Wright’s new book Now Say This:…