Are your kids self-reliant or do you think you are doing too much for them? Would you like to encourage your children to become more self-reliant? A job description looks like this for many parents: Long term, energetic team player needed, for challenging permanent work in a busy and often chaotic environment. Responsibilities include cooking, … Continue reading Self-reliant kids do better | how to do less so your kids can do more
When your teen swears – how to respond and not react
Teens blow up in a split second |how to stay calm and what to do when it happens
When perfectionism is the enemy of progress | how to help a child who hates making mistakes
"My daughter is doing well academically and excels in many subjects. I am concerned about her perfectionist tendencies. Her reaction to what I see as minor setbacks is out of proportion. When she got a less than perfect result in a test recently she took it very badly. It was like the end of the … Continue reading When perfectionism is the enemy of progress | how to help a child who hates making mistakes
How to get kids to listen – even when we’re busy
Being a busy parent affects everything we say and do - including how we communicate with our kids. How hard it is when kids don't listen? We already have a lot on our plate. This morning I watched a mum in her car stop at the traffic lights and quickly spoon some food into her … Continue reading How to get kids to listen – even when we’re busy
Getting up is hard to do | on cold, dark mornings
Do you have a hard time getting up in the mornings? Parents and kids can struggle on the cold winter days with bad moods. When you are in a bad mood is it hard to shake? What about your child? Are bad moods making it hard for them to get up and do what they … Continue reading Getting up is hard to do | on cold, dark mornings
How to have hard conversations with teens | 13 Reasons why
The series “13 Reasons Why” brings up hard conversations for parents. In it’s second round, it shows shocking themes in graphic detail, including rape and suicide. In NZ where high rates of youth suicide exist, experts warn that the program will do more harm than good. The advice is that teens should only watch with … Continue reading How to have hard conversations with teens | 13 Reasons why
Why I do what I do
This week I received an email from a parent that made me say "wow". "There are no more meltdowns." This is not a statement to be rushed past. This is a family in which people have strong feelings. They are not "YES" men or women. I am certain everyone is still this way inclined. Even … Continue reading Why I do what I do
Sibling fighting and what you can do about it
Is sibling fighting driving you crazy? Are you sick of being the referee? Most parents are ok with sibling fighting some of the time, but what if it is nearly all of the time? When siblings are always fighting parents need to get involved. Here are FIVE ways to reduce sibling fighting and increase harmony … Continue reading Sibling fighting and what you can do about it
Mummy will you talk to me in your nice parenting voice?
Once I started using positive parenting skills I really noticed a change in my son. His body language changed. He cuddled up to me more on the sofa. I was noticing all these changes when one day he asked "Mummy will you talk to me in that nice parenting voice?". This was a wake up … Continue reading Mummy will you talk to me in your nice parenting voice?
How to talk to kids – parenting gold dust!
The single best parenting skill you could ever ask for - why descriptive praise is like gold dust! How do we encourage children to want to do the right thing? Is it even possible? Parents want to know how to get their kids on track. Sure, there are lots of methods you've tried already. Ask … Continue reading How to talk to kids – parenting gold dust!