8 Ways to Raise an Independent Child While Still Maintaining a Strong Bond
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8 Ways to Raise an Independent Child While Still Maintaining a Strong Bond

ByKerry Flatley, Certified Parent Educator

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…

Four Effective Ways to Teach Kids Respect Without Losing Your Self-Respect
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Four Effective Ways to Teach Kids Respect Without Losing Your Self-Respect

ByKerry Flatley, Certified Parent Educator

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 Difference Between Punishment and Discipline in Parenting and Why it Matters
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The Difference Between Punishment and Discipline in Parenting and Why it Matters

ByKerry Flatley, Certified Parent Educator

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…

Have a Disobedient Child? Four Steps to Address Your Child’s Behavior
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Have a Disobedient Child? Four Steps to Address Your Child’s Behavior

ByKerry Flatley, Certified Parent Educator

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:…

How to Teach Your Kids Problem-Solving Skills and Make Parenting Easier
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How to Teach Your Kids Problem-Solving Skills and Make Parenting Easier

ByKerry Flatley, Certified Parent Educator

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…

Why Logical Consequences Aren’t Working to Change Your Child’s Misbehavior (and What Will)
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Why Logical Consequences Aren’t Working to Change Your Child’s Misbehavior (and What Will)

ByKerry Flatley, Certified Parent Educator

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…