Look at Me

One of my pet peeves is talking to a person who looks over my head (that's easy, I'm short) or at his watch and acts as if something - or someone else - is more important. I feel devalued, useless, invisible.

It's painful when people we love don't listen to us. But, do we do that to children? Do we make them feel as if our agenda is more important than what they have to share?

In your daily discipline, remember to look at your child - not over his head. Eye contact sends a powerful message that he is worthwhile and worthy of your time. Remember the old adage, "The eye is the pathway to the heart."

So what's one of your pet peeves. Feel free to comment below.

Why Do Kids Do That?

When my girls were young, they often asked, "Why Mom?" Sometimes I thought my ears would bleed from overuse!

Ever notice the first "bye-bye" wave of a baby is backward - like he's waving at himself?

Have you walked through a mall and watched stroller-restricted toddlers drop their pacifier or toys?

Truth is; kids are natural born learners. Babies imitate what THEY see and wave back from their perspective. Toddlers are learning to control their grip and release.

So what does this have to do with discipline, Brenda? Much of a child's behavior is NOT to get on your last nerve; it's a part of normal development. When we understand growing children go through stages of development, which brings with it some annoying behaviors, we can adapt our expectations and discipline.

Remember, kids can be wild, whiny, and wasteful. They must be taught to calm, talk in a "big" voice or to reuse. Today, I encourage you to remember that some of what your child is doing might be a time-limited, developmental phase. In your discipline (teaching correct behavior) remember to remain:

• Instructional
• Patient
• Kind
• Consistent
• Loving
• Generous
• Proactive
• Self-controlled
• Understanding
• Encouraging

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Don't Ya Just Love 'Em?

I've been a preschool teacher and I'm a mom so I know there are days when it is a challenge to like what you do and the kids you're with! I've also learned that it's my attitude that can make or break my interaction with these impressionable ones. What do you like about living/working with kids? Rate the following aspects from 1 (your fave) to 10 (least liked). Cross out any that don’t apply to your situation.

_____ reminding them of their chores

_____ listening to their stories

_____ solving their problems

_____ seeing new skills or abilities

_____ holiday happenings

_____ picking up after them

_____ meeting their friends

_____ correcting misbehavior

_____ presents they give you

_____ school plays

_____ funny antedotes they provide

Discipline yourself to think on the terrific times you have with kids. It may put a positive spin on your attitude and actions, and get you happily through this day.

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Your hour of empowerment is The Parent's Plate radio show every Tuesday 10 am (EST). All past shows are available on podcast and iTunes so you don't have to miss any information and affirmation.