Our kids are now all out of the house in college or starting a career. But we still get to spend a lot of time with them. We like hanging out with them and with their friends. I think it’s fair to say that their friends enjoy time with us too. It’s because we invest in them. How? First, we’re available to them. Just like with our own kids, we’re available when asked to coach them and help them with anything they...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
The answer is simple: you have a huge impact on your child. But it’s up to you whether that impact is ultimately good or bad. Giacomo Bono—co-author of the new book, Making Grateful Kids, shares with us all about what it takes to make a good impact on our kids: gratitude. So how do we teach our kids to be grateful? First, demonstrate a spirit of gratefulness yourself. Second, teach your child to see obstacles as...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
As your child grows up, they will develop many relationships. But in those relationships, they are bound to make mistakes. That’s why it’s so important to teach your child what a true apology looks like. Here are some ways to do so. First, teach them that a lack of intent doesn’t excuse them from apologizing. Whether your child’s actions were purposeful or accidental, be sure they know to apologize no matter what....
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
As parents, it is our duty to keep an eye on our kids. That includes looking for any danger signs you might see as they travel through those young years. Here are some warning signs that your child may be headed for trouble and solutions to lead them back on the right road. First, your child may be headed for trouble when they have excessive mood swings. If they’re going from extreme highs to extreme lows, instead...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Most families don't have a plan for dealing with anger. They just continue on, hoping things will get better. When families don't resolve their anger, however, they just keep trying to start over. Trying again is helpful, but we each need to have a bigger plan if we want negative patterns or anger to change.
Five Steps toward an Anger-Management Plan
There are five essential steps in helping children deal...
Author Joe White suggests seven ways to motivate our children in whatever they do. First, have realistic expectations of your child. Not every child will make straight A’s or start on their sports team. Second, be a model of motivation. Your child needs to see you loving your work, exercising, and celebrating goals achieved. Third, make sure your child breaks a mental and physical “sweat.” Don’t over protect...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
In the midst of gaining great friendships, your child may also find some frenemies along the way. A frenemy is someone who says they’re your friend but who routinely does things to hurt your feelings or stir-up trouble. Disentangling your child from the tentacles of a hurtful “friend” may require a bit of maneuvering on your part. Here are two ways to handle your child’s frenemy. First, help your child understand...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
