Communicating with your teen can be fraught with danger until you learn to speak teen language. It is the type of language all parents need to understand to allow good, open and informative discussion with their teenage child. Learning to speak teen is similar to learning to speak English, Spanish or Chinese, it needs to be learned. How do you speak teen? The main thing to remember is a ten [...]
The answer to why your Teen is so Complex is rather simple; it's physiological really. There are three distinct stages in teenage development and understanding these stages can help every parent cope, manage and guide their developing child. Adolescence is a time of rapid physical, emotional and psychological changes. Teenage years are when kids want to distinguish themselves from their parents and a time parents want to help guide their child toward [...]
Would you allow your child on sleepovers? It remains a very individual choice if your child is ready or should attend a sleepover or not. This, of course, is dependant on the child's age, child wishes, where they are staying, how well you know the people, who is going to be present, how far away they are located. and how much free contact you will have during the evening. Have a [...]
Can you remember when you last held your baby in your arms, the feel of them, their smell, their sounds? Article I wrote for Mums Delivery - on page 4 Our children grow so quickly. While we have a loving, tender memories of them when they are babies over time those memories become something we are looking at, from a distance. As a new mum we can recall these memories [...]
I work with parents of children experiencing issues such as autism. Providing the child with a safe play enrionment at home is essential. Recently I received a message from Danny Knight who is a dad living in Philadelphia. He is the co-creator of FixItDads.com which offers tips for home improvement projects. Danny has worked with many families to provide a safe environment for the autistic child. I hope any parents [...]
Most parents insist their child apologise if they have done or said something wrong or if they act out in an inappropriate manner. Should we as a parent ever apologise to our child? We tell them to apologise to either us, their sibling or the person they have hurt or affected. So the words 'I'm sorry' are heard over and over. These words, however, may sometimes not mean much to [...]
We have a Need to Touch, it is essential and is wonderful for everyone, especially our kids. Being touched increases the health of our immune system. It also increases our Serotonin levels which as the body’s natural antidepressant and releases oxytocin, the feel good hormone we all love. Most all of us love the cuddle and hug, it makes us feel better. When feeling distressed or overwhelmed, a hug can [...]
When it comes to giving our kids chores, most parents think it is a great idea and it makes us a great parent, but... Many parents never follow through with their requests for their children to do chores due to the hassle they want to avoid? It can be easier to simply to the job yourself instead of arguing or nagging your child to get their chores done. It can [...]
The way parents speak to their children can have a major impact on their mental and emotional health. Article I consulted on, written by journalist Megan Blandford for SBS News Parents play a protective role in their child’s mental health. Children with parents who never or rarely told them they were proud of them were nearly five times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, nearly seven times more likely to formulate [...]
Article I consulted on for Unleash Your Potential with Laura Evans Kid’s won’t listen? – change your language (NLP for Parents) Language is key. Do you find yourself saying, I just can’t get the kids to listen. Maybe you tell your children or teenagers not to do something, and then they do exactly what you’ve told them not to do! (how infuriating). You’re left frustrated …you blame them … but [...]
Playful Parenting prevents Child Anxiety A study recently released by Australian and Dutch researchers found parents play a role in protecting preschoolers from becoming anxious. When parents encourage their child to take risks, actively play, experience mild teasing and fright, they can become more assertive and take risks. In a study conducted by the University of Rio Grande, Brazil, on anxiety levels of children 5 to twelve years undergoing surgical [...]
While we want to spoil our children and give them what they want, spare a thought for the time of year it is. Giving is a major part of Christmas while obviously, the other part is indulgence. What if we balanced the two. Spoil yourself and your family of course and consider purchasing an item, game or toy for those less fortunate so that may also receive come indulgence. Help the children [...]
