Archive for the Common Sense Tip Category
Explaining Things to Children
Children process things more fully when conversations are at their own pace and presented patiently. Parents can begin with one phrase at a time, leaving plenty of opportunity for their child to react or ask
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Talking to Teens
If parent-teen conversations have a “casual” tone, sometimes with minimal eye contact they are more likely to go well. For example, many parents report that it can be easier to discuss things when they are
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Smart Parents
As parenting can be a complicated job it is often useful to seek help and information from as many sources as possible. It is equally important to remember that no one knows their child better
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The Pleased Parent
No matter how old a child may be he or she regularly needs to see their parents face light up with joy just because they are nearby. Sometimes family activities that do not involve power
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Parental Apologies
Parents can lose their temper when they don’t want to. Often they are trying to explain an important idea that is communicated in a way that is not helpful to adult or child. When this
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Helping a Child with Something “New”
When a parent is helping a child to a new phase of their childhood (ie potty training, attending a new school, cooperating during a play date, walking to the store by themselves, or even choosing
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When to Talk to Children about a Concern
The timing of difficult but needed parent child conversations is often important. I recommend that whenever possible Mom or Dad choose a time of day that is relatively calm. For example early in the morning,
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Slowing Down
Most children communicate and interact at a slower pace than adults. It is often useful for parents to take the time to slow down to match their child’s rhythm even if it is only for
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An Important Part of Parenting
It is important for parents to set aside time to listen to their children every day. Some children talk easily while others are quieter, keeping many of their thoughts to themselves. If a parent can
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Helping an Upset Child
A child’s meltdowns or outbursts can end more quickly if a calm, clear or comforting voice is the only adult response they receive. Angry reactions often increase the length and volume of the original upset.
