Creating and enforcing house rules for teenagers doesn’t need to be a battle. Here are seven important rules to consider and strategies to ensure your rules are followed. Teenagers may believe they’re mature enough to do just about anything on their own. Parents know that’s far from realistic. In fact, it won’t be until the…
These 70+ life skills for teens are essential for making sure your child will be safe, confident, and self-sufficient when they leave home. One day you’re holding your baby in your arms and next you’re standing next to – or possibly looking up to – your teenager. Our time with our children is short and…
Whether or not to give teens credit cards isn’t an easy decision. Here’s a step-by-step guide to determine if your teen should have a credit card. Things change quickly once you have a teenager. First, they’re able to communicate independently with friends on their phone. Then all of a sudden your teen has a part-time…
The internet provides numerous opportunities for kids and teenagers to make money online. Here’s a list of ways teens can make money online. To see a full list of ways kids can make money see: How to Make Money as a Kid (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase…
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…
These twenty-one family bonding activities will bring your family together and build cohesion – often while having fun! It’s a modern-day scene: after work and school, your family runs around to kids activities, errands, quickly eats dinner, the kids complete their homework, and before you know it, it’s bedtime. Research shows that a strong parent/child…
Looking for insightful, imaginative, and funny questions to ask your kids? Look no further! These 125+ questions will help your family bond as you learn things about your kids you might not have known. How recently has your child told you what their favorite song is? Or have you wondered how they would describe their…
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…
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…
The best debit cards for kids teach basic money management skills while making allowance easy for parents. One of the best ways for kids and teens to learn financial literacy and acquire good money habits is to manage their own money. And while younger kids benefit from managing physical bills and coins, older kids are…
Kids of all ages can experience test anxiety. Here are seven test anxiety tips to help your child cope with the unease of taking a timed test. (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.) It’s a…
Each child is born with strong internal motivation. The question is, why do some kids retain it while others don’t? And what can parents do to protect it? Somewhere along the way, often by kindergarten, this intrinsic motivation disappears in many kids, but it doesn’t have to.
There comes a time when all parents ask: At what age can kids stay home alone? This includes everything you need to know about the recommended guidelines for leaving kids home alone. Also included is information about how to determine if your child is ready. I remember a day when my daughter was five and…
Not sure how to encourage self-sufficiency and independence in your tween and teen? This advice can help! Related: 15 Skills Kids Need Before They Leave Home Gently you try to shake your 13-year-old awake. “Time to get up for school!” you say in your cheeriest voice possible, even though you can’t believe your teen still…