MyParentingSource Articles

Have you ever wondered when your crying baby will rest peacefully? Tried every game and disciplinary action in the book to get your child to eat peas?

At My Parenting Source, we have expert Parent Coaches on hand to help parents with these and other parenting challenges. Just as a star basketball player needs direction at times, we know parents can sometimes use a little guidance.

Feel free to ask a parent coach a question. You'll get a personalized response. And, its free!

Go out for breakfast alone and read.

Quiet time can be a great way to center yourself.

Is it safe to say that all of us as parents at one point or another have asked our children to apologize? Apologies are transparent when you think about it. The ‘I just want to get out of trouble and get this over with’ apologies are really obvious. With these types of apologies there is li
... (read more)

Ten Great Tips…. to Avoid Saying “No!”

(4.50 after 2 ratings)

Too much reliance on saying “No” in everyday situations can result in an angry child, a frustrated adult and little change in behavior. Happily, there are many positive ways to intervene without saying “No”.

Figuring out why your child is misbehaving will help you determine what to do about it. Consider these common triggers for misbehavior – and their remedies

Is she having trouble controlling herself? When kids have not yet developed the self control they need, these strategies can help them stay out of trouble:

Create a “Yes! Zone.” Provide a space for active play. Remove precious breakables, clutter and expensive furniture from this play space.
Stay nearby. Just having an adult close at hand is sometimes all that is needed to help children make good choices.
Provide clear consistent limits. Be specific about what your children may and may not do. State the rules clearly and enforce them consistently. “You may jump on the trampoline but not on the couch,” is much more helpful to your child than “Remember to be good!”
Is he having difficulty coping with his feelings? It takes support and practice for children to learn to cope with feelings of anger, jealousy and frustration. It won’t help to respond with anger and consequences when your child is overwhelmed with his emotions. Instead, try a positive approach:
Provide extra help. Tough homework assignments, a sister’s birthday party, and playing first base in the next game can all create emotional turmoil for your child. Anticipate difficult situations and provide support to help your child manage his emotions.
Help him say how he is feeling. “That math is really frustrating!” “It sure is tough to watch your sister get all the presents!” Statements like these help your child feel understood and show him how to put feelings into words.
Is she acting out because something bad has happened? Slow her down for a moment. Get down on her level, make eye contact, and ask if something has happened to upset her.
Limit any aggressive or destructive behavior. Reject the behavior, but never the child!
Does he need your attention? When children repeat behaviors that annoy adults, it’s often their way of saying, “I need you to pay attention to me!” Attention is like oxygen for children; they need it in order to be emotionally healthy. Sometimes children can eliminate irritating behaviors simply by being given ample opportunity for positive attention.
Announce opportunities for having your full attention. “I need you to play quietly for a few minutes; then we can read a book together.” Start with small amounts of time, using an egg timer if this visual cue is helpful to you child. Do not provide the promised one-on-one time unless he follows through with the quiet time. Do express appreciation and explain that his playing quietly allowed you to finish your work so that you can read with him. Then make good on your promise promptly, even if it means interrupting your child from quiet activity.
Ignore behavior that is not dangerous or destructive. Withdraw your attention from your child and his behavior until he stops.
Choose a time when your child is behaving well and offer special attention. Play a game, take a walk, or sit and talk. Extra doses of affection make your child feel loved and valued – and that helps him gain both self esteem and self control.

Above all, try to remember those things that make each child special. Praise your children often and carry your sense of humor with you!