If you find yourself in power struggles with your child…
…remove yourself from the conflict and pause before you react. When you are both calm, ask your child for their help in solving the problem. Sometimes children can present an angle we had not thought of and considering their input will help give them some control (and ownership) over the situation.
To encourage the child that struggles…
… find something, they did well, (effort counts rather than the final achievement) and use an encouraging statement. Perhaps they did not score as high on their report as you both had hoped for, but if they worked really hard throughout the year, focus ONLY on that. “You studied very hard for all your tests, […]
If separated or divorced and your child alternates between two homes…
…you can help make it easier by allowing them to carry their favourite comfort items back and forth. You could also allow your child to have a picture of the other parent at both homes. Remember your child loves the other parent and is likely missing them.
Dads, you can build bonds with your children by doing things with them.
Start when they are babies by being involved – carry them, change them, comfort them, and play with them. You can keep your connection going for life by staying involved at every stage of their growth.
Kids always fighting amongst themselves?
Sometimes (if no-one gets hurt), it is OK to let siblings settle some of their disagreements on their own. In some situations, just a little guidance can nudge children to solve problems amongst themselves.
Discipline is more about learning and less about punishing.
Stay consistent when disciplining your child so they can learn through the consequence of their actions. I.e. The child will realize that a certain action will have a certain consequence, therefore they can learn to take a different action.
As the temperatures go up…
…be sure to include some warm weather fun in your day. Try some old-fashioned games like tag, jump rope, hopscotch, or ad-hoc soccer to encourage physical activity while having fun in the spring sun!
For a child that struggles to remember…
… homework, forms, and commitments, help them stay organized. You can try teaching them to note commitments on a wall calendar or device, set an alarm as a reminder, or create checklists. Using these small tools can become positive lifetime habits.
For all moms out there…
…take a little time for yourself. Being a mom can be a demanding and exhausting job. Be sure to take just a few minutes everyday doing something for you. Just 10 minutes a day can help to rejuvenate your and refresh your mind, body, and spirit! For more ideas and tips, go to our resource […]
If you are a busy parent…
…make sure you take time to care for yourself. Although paying attention to your own needs can sometimes be the last thing on your mind when you are busy, if you do not remember to take good care of yourself regularly, it may be harder to be a good parent.