When you get a puppy you teach them to be housebroken, to sit, stay, down and heel— kids need training too. Hilda, an 86-year-old member in my Parents Anonymous group, had reared several children into successful adulthood and sought help concerning her teenage granddaughter. … [Read more...] about Teach Your Children The Way You Teach Your Dogs
children
Promise Me— No Promises
Maybe you know this scenario: you can’t stop today but your child wants to make sure they don’t miss out on an opportunity for fun, “We can go there the next time? Do you promise?” You already feel guilty but a two-bit carnival is not high on your list of priorities and it looks … [Read more...] about Promise Me— No Promises
Begging, Pleading, Demanding & Arguing
“Oh can I please – please – pretty please – with sugar on top!?” Are children are natural born beggars? No, we train them to behave this way by giving in or letting kids have their way. When permission is up for discussion with children, the door is opened to pleading, … [Read more...] about Begging, Pleading, Demanding & Arguing
Home Alone—How Old Is Old Enough?
Every parent wonders whether a child is old enough to be left alone, and for the first few times we will worry they will be safe on their own. The law does not dictate how old a child must be before they can be left alone at home. However, the law does state that any child … [Read more...] about Home Alone—How Old Is Old Enough?
House Rules Posted on the Refrigerator
My pre-teen daughter asked to have a new friend stay overnight and even though I didn’t know the girl or the parents I said, “Sure, the more the merrier.” Chelsey’s friend Sharon was very bright; her parents were progressive to say the least. She was funny and very clever; she … [Read more...] about House Rules Posted on the Refrigerator
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to