Want to show you respect your children? Here's one way to check. This morning, I walked my three-year-old twins to preschool when one of them began to sulk and stall. He just stopped walking. My response? "Don't give me trouble! Hurry up already!" For many of us, this happens all too often. We don't treat kids with the respect they need. We yell, say things we regret, and forget this isn't the ideal way to interact with them. To be fair, our kids aren't always reasonable. They test our patience and need guidance and instruction. They're also not as experienced as adults and will … [Read more...]
What to Do when Your Child Disrespects You
Tired of the disrespectful way your child talks back to you? Learn what to do about disrespectful children and how to rebuild your relationship. The Terrible Two's. The Threenager stage. When kids were younger, we could chalk their snarkiness to "it's just a stage." But after a while, that stage can get out of hand. Kids can be disrespectful, no matter how many times we've tried to break through. And the attitude sometimes stems from a major change in the home—not exactly something we could just erase. Regardless of the reason, it's difficult for all people involved. Both parent … [Read more...]
How to Stop Your Child from Interrupting and What to Do Instead
Does your child interrupt conversations, whether between adults or children? Learn how to stop your child from interrupting, all without a meltdown. I was sitting across from my husband during family dinner time discussing the next day's schedule. Just as I was trying to get my head straight on what to pack for lunch or what time swim classes start, the kids cut in. "I colored and glued butterflies on paper!" "This broccoli?" "Aaaaahhh!" In most cases, my kids don't know any better about interrupting. They say what's on their mind at that moment, regardless of timing or … [Read more...]
Why You Should Always Intervene when Adults Overwhelm Your Child
Have you had to step in when adults overwhelm your child? It may feel awkward or frustrating, but here's why you need to intervene—and how. Imagine a family party and everyone is playing with the younger member, a two-year-old child. Grandpa is bouncing her up in his arms in what started as a game but has now been too much for her. Unfortunately, grandpa is oblivious and thinks the little girl is still having a blast. How do parents know when to intervene with family and friends—adults who may overwhelm kids but not know it? It's tricky dealing with family and friends with setting … [Read more...]
How to Stop Nagging Your Child to Get Stuff Done
Do you nag your kids over everyday little things like taking a bath or putting dishes away? Here's how to stop nagging your child to get stuff done. Her kids have three hours to get everything done when they come home from school. Everyday tasks like brushing their teeth and finishing homework needed nagging. They can't complain for lack of time. Three hours is plenty enough to get these tasks done and still have downtime. But she can't seem to motivate them to start the tasks themselves—she nags her kids to get things done. (Read more about homework mistakes to avoid with your … [Read more...]
The Simple Truth about Your Child’s Constant Questions
Does your child bother you with question after question? Learn why your child's annoying questions are actually good for him. "What is time?" "Why is an orange a circle?" "How do people love each other when they're apart?" Your kids chase you around the house, even as you try to ignore them by reading a book or doing chores. Do these "annoying questions" seem useless? Maybe to our over-scheduled, harried adult selves. We like to discuss things that make sense. Stuff that happened at school, what she wants to eat for dinner, and where she put her teddy bear. You know, real … [Read more...]
Kids’ Complaints Aren’t Petty… At Least to Them
Are the kids complaining too much? Before you brush it off as petty, see why their complaints are actually more important than we think. I was a member of the student council and helped assemble our homecoming dance. One of my responsibilities was to gather the votes for homecoming king and queen. Normally an organized person, I didn't have my act together that evening. At the last minute, I scribbled the winners on a piece of paper. Let's call them Peter and Janet, a couple that everyone expected to win. Except I hadn't written down Peter and Janet; I wrote Peter and Cathy, the next … [Read more...]
3 Ways We Unintentionally Disrespect Our Kids
No parent would disrespect her child on purpose, but sometimes we do so without knowing. Check out these three ways we unintentionally disrespect kids — and what to do instead. Would you say you disrespect your kids? If you're like me, you would assume no, of course not. I love my kids and would never disrespect them. I wouldn't want others to do so, much less me. 3 ways we unintentionally disrespect kids Except sometimes we disrespect our kids without even knowing it. We mean well and may not see how our words and actions affect them. We overlook the repercussions of our actions, … [Read more...]