Parents Helping Parents » Common Sense Tip

Parental Apologies

Sharon — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:20:37 +0000

Parents can lose their temper when they don’t want to. Often they are trying to explain an important idea that is communicated in a way that is not helpful to adult or child. When this happens it can be useful for Mom or Dad to apologize for the tones they used. A simple, “I am sorry,” or “I am sorry for yelling at you.” can model many important things for young people and can help parents find another time to try again in a more effective way.

(When apologizing there can be a temptation to add a phrase such as “if you would stop doing ______, I wouldn’t have to yell.” That is often a less effective apology. )

When to Talk to Children about a Concern The timing of difficult but needed parent child conversations is...
Parenting – The Art of Trying I believe parent child relationships are rarely simple. There is...
An Important Part of Parenting It is important for parents to set aside time to...

Helping a Child with Something “New”

Sharon — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:28:52 +0000

When a parent is helping a child to a new phase of their childhood (ie potty training, attending a new school, cooperating during a play date, walking to the store by themselves, or even choosing a high school or college) sometimes it is useful to approach the change in increments, starting off with gradual steps that eventually achieve the final goal.

Helping an Upset Child A child’s meltdowns or outbursts can end more quickly if...
Helping a Child with a Problem Sometimes parents are quick to offer solutions to complicated problems....
Slowing Down Most children communicate and interact at a slower pace than...

When to Talk to Children about a Concern

Sharon — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:13:26 +0000

The timing of difficult but needed parent child conversations is often important. I recommend that whenever possible Mom or Dad choose a time of day that is relatively calm. For example early in the morning, or tense times in the evening are usually not good times to bring up emotional topics.

Helping an Upset Child A child’s meltdowns or outbursts can end more quickly if...
Parenting – The Art of Trying I believe parent child relationships are rarely simple. There is...
One Thing to do with Worries Most parents worry. Whenever a parent is particularly worried I...

Slowing Down

Sharon — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:04:35 +0000

Most children communicate and interact at a slower pace than adults. It is often useful for parents to take the time to slow down to match their child’s rhythm even if it is only for a few minutes every day. This simple act can help a child feel noticed, understood, less separate from their family and ultimately more relaxed.

One Thing to do with Worries Most parents worry. Whenever a parent is particularly worried I...
An Important Part of Parenting It is important for parents to set aside time to...
Helping an Upset Child A child’s meltdowns or outbursts can end more quickly if...

An Important Part of Parenting

Sharon — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:21:51 +0000

It is important for parents to set aside time to listen to their children every day. Some children talk easily while others are quieter, keeping many of their thoughts to themselves. If a parent can find a way to have a respectful ear it doesn’t matter if their child says three words or a hundred. If a child shares anything about their interests, frustrations or dreams they are more likely to feel loved and secure in their home and more able to come to their parents for support, understanding and advice when and if larger problems arise.

Helping a Child with a Problem Sometimes parents are quick to offer solutions to complicated problems....
Slowing Down Most children communicate and interact at a slower pace than...
Parenting – The Art of Trying I believe parent child relationships are rarely simple. There is...

Helping an Upset Child

Sharon — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:33:22 +0000

A child’s meltdowns or outbursts can end more quickly if a calm, clear or comforting voice is the only adult response they receive. Angry reactions often increase the length and volume of the original upset.

When to Talk to Children about a Concern The timing of difficult but needed parent child conversations is...
Helping a Child with a Problem Sometimes parents are quick to offer solutions to complicated problems....
Helping a Child with Something “New” When a parent is helping a child to a new...

Parenting – The Art of Trying

Sharon — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:36:32 +0000

I believe parent child relationships are rarely simple. There is often no script to follow when handling difficult situations with a child. I think the most important thing a parent can do for their child is to try whatever they think is best at the time – the inevitable mistakes made along the way can be adjusted and fixed over time.

Parental Apologies Parents can lose their temper when they don’t want to....
When to Talk to Children about a Concern The timing of difficult but needed parent child conversations is...
Slowing Down Most children communicate and interact at a slower pace than...

Helping a Child with a Problem

Sharon — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 14:07:23 +0000

Sometimes parents are quick to offer solutions to complicated problems. Parental suggestions can of course be useful but it can be good to combine sound advice with a few of the child’s suggestions as well. The ability to strategize with Mom and Dad can build a young ones confidence and self-esteem and produce some pretty good ideas!

Helping an Upset Child A child’s meltdowns or outbursts can end more quickly if...
Helping a Child with Something “New” When a parent is helping a child to a new...
Parental Apologies Parents can lose their temper when they don’t want to....

One Thing to do with Worries

Sharon — Thu, 06 May 2010 00:16:27 +0000

Most parents worry. Whenever a parent is particularly worried I suggest balancing those often legitimate concerns with some “one on one time” with their child that is full of laughter and fun. Fun can help reduce tension and put anxieties in perspective. It is usually much easier for parents to successfully help their children when they are feeling relaxed and pleased with them.

Slowing Down Most children communicate and interact at a slower pace than...
Helping an Upset Child A child’s meltdowns or outbursts can end more quickly if...
When to Talk to Children about a Concern The timing of difficult but needed parent child conversations is...