My Philosophy on Parenting

Years before I had children, one of my beloved college professors and mentor told me something that molded my philosophy on childrearing. He said that my job as a parent will be to work myself out of a job.

That sounded harsh. But, I've learned it is the greatest gift to my children. I want them to be independent, have friends and a life.

In your daily discipline, ask yourself if your teaching also includes lessons on self-reliance so your kids will one day be able to get on in life without you.

Yes, you may want your kids to become beautiful butterflies but, the cocoon has got to go.

So what do you think? Feel free to leave your comment below! And remember to get your hour of empowerment on The Parent's Plate internet radio show.

No, No, No, No, No!

"No, no, no, no, no!" she repeated to her child. I looked up from my grocery shopping list to see a frazzled mom in the store trying to correct her wayward-behaving child. I'm glad she was involved, attentive, and trying to discipline. Good mom!

BUT, the problem was . . .

Hearing an tsunami of "nos" dilutes discipline. When you constantly say "No," your child tunes you out; or as psychologists say, "A constant stimulus loses effect." So your discipline is meaningless and you get frustrated.

Whether tots or teens, kids need to know they're always loved - even if their behavior is not. But remember to discipline with positive and different words so your correction has effect. Hey, call my show this morning 877-864-4869 with your discipline story, question, or comment. I'll be waiting on The Parent's Plate internet radio show!

Easy Discipline?

Yep, discipline can go smoother and easier when you remember to:

* respect your child as a person
- with her own likes/dislikes/strengths/weaknesses

* accept and love her as she is
- not a small version of you, but a separate person

* take note of her capabilities
- what she can & can't do for her age

* listen and respond when she speaks
- give eye contact to communicate interest

Why does this make discipline easier? Because your child will feel loved and respected. Then she'll respond to you out of mutual respect.

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Hey, don't cheat yourself from an hour of empowerment. Join me and exciting guests every Tuesday morning on The Parent's Plate show www.toginet.com/shows/theparentsplate.

Reasons for Misbehavior

“Why is he acting like that?”
“I don’t know what’s wrong!”
“What her problem?”

I frequently hear these questions in my work with parents. There are many reasons a child misbehaves. That’s what makes parenting so complex and perplexing.

When your kid acts-up, ask yourself, “What does my child need?” Perhaps her emotional tank is empty. She may simply need your full attention, confidence, support, or unconditional love.

When my daughters were young and we’d have one of “those” days, I found that 15 minutes of uninterrupted, one-on-one time with each, soothed and helped them feel more confident. The result? Better behavior.

Are your kids restless, over-stimulated, tired, hungry, lonely, angry, or living without boundaries? It’s a challenge to figure out why they do what they do. However, I encourage you to look behind the behavior and see if you can solve the “real” problem. That, too, is skillful discipline!

What's your comment?
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Get your hour of empowerment every Tuesday morning on The Parent's Plate radio show www.toginet.com/shows/theparentsplate