compliments-parents-web.jpg by Jane Nelsen Compliments and appreciations bring us closer together. Finding ways to compliment your children can be a very valuable parenting tool. So often we are focused on what our children have done wrong. This week focus on what your children have done right and give them an appropriate compliment. “I appreciate […]
Category Archives: Parents
Children DO Better When They FEEL Better
An excerpt from the book Positive Discipline by Dr. Jane Nelsen. motivation.jpg Where did we ever get the crazy idea that to make children do better, first we have to make them feel worse? Think of the last time you felt humiliated or treated unfairly. Did you feel like cooperating or doing better? Take time […]
7 Tips for a Happy, Successful School Year
by Mike Brock students_04.png For many children and their parents, returning to school is a joyful occasion—reconnecting with school friends and families, the excitement of purchasing school supplies and new clothes, the return to the comfort and normalcy of the school routine, and, of course, the gift of a little breathing space for Mom and […]
Teaching Responsibility: When Does it Happen?
responsibility_blog.jpg by Jane Nelsen I have been hearing questions such as… “How can I get my two-year-old to pick up his toys by himself?” (You can’t.) “Why does my teenager say she’ll empty the garbage and then avoid doing it unless I nag?” (She has a gazillion other life questions plaguing her.) “Why won’t my […]
Limited Choices
limited-choices-parents.jpg A Positive Discipline Tool Card Offering limited choices instead of making demands can be very effective. Children often respond to choices when they will not respond to demands, especially when you follow the choice with, “You decide.” Choices should be respectful and should focus attention on the needs of the situation. Choices are directly […]
SCHEDULE SPECIAL TIME FOR CONNECTION
special-time-web.jpg An excerpt from the book Positive Discipline by Dr. Jane Nelsen One of the most encouraging things parents can do for their children is to spend regularly scheduled special time with them. You may already spend lots of time with your children. However there is a difference between have to time, casual time, and scheduled special time. […]
Limit Screen Time
limit-screen-time-parents.jpg by Dr. Jane Nelsen There was once a segment on Oprah in which families where challenged to give up electronics for a week, including TV. It was interesting to watch how difficult it was for parents, as well as their children, to give up all of their screens. One scene was particularly difficult to […]
Act Without Words – A Positive Discipline Tool Card
act-without-words-parents-02.jpg Diane promised she would never be like her friend, Sara, who was always yelling (often screaming) at her kids, “Don’t do that! Do this! I’m sick and tired or telling you!” On and on! It was difficult for Diane to be around Sara, and she felt so sorry for the kids. One day Diane […]
VALIDATE FEELINGS – A Positive Discipline Tool Card
Positive Discipline Parent Tool by Dr. Jane Nelsen Billy is sad because his friend doesn’t want to play with him. Susan is angry because she doesn’t want to pick up her toys. Tammie hates her baby brother and wants to hit him. Billy’s Mom tries to comfort him by saying, “Don’t feel sad, Billy. You […]
Listen
discipline.jpg by Dr. Jane Nelsen When parents say, “My child doesn’t listen,” what they really mean is that my child doesn’t obey.” Parents give orders and children resist orders—just as their parent most likely would. If you are experiencing power-struggles with your children, take a look at your part in creating the power-struggle. Most kids […]