Parenting Kids With Low Self Esteem

 Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the head of a person with low self-esteem? If you're experiencing low self-esteem for the first time, it can be pretty scary. If you've not experienced negative self-image, it's hard to imagine why those of us who have behave as we do. If you're parenting a child with self esteem issues, it's even more challenging. Kids struggle with communication as it is. To explain negative emotions to a parent can be overwhelming. Here are coping tips. Read more

How to actively listen to your teen

"We need to talk." Those words make me nervous. I don't know whether it's the faint implication of censure, the possible portent of bad news or just the fear of the unknown, but I get edgy. Kids do, too. When it's said without any added details, the person can only conclude it must be something really dire. And frankly, approaching someone with an ominous opener like that will not engender healthy communication.  Kids shouldn't have to walk on eggshells wondering what they've done wrong now. If they've done something you disapprove of, say so. Don't be cagey. Don't play games. Don't turn it into a drama fest. The only thing you'll accomplish is to alienate your teen.  Be honest and open with your kids and they'll be more likely to return the favor. Here are other parenting tips on talking to teens so everyone feels comfortable. How to actively listen to your teen and talk with empathy 

Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

Clinical teen depression is relatively uncommon, but tell that to parents of teens and they may not agree. I certainly wouldn't have. Bouts of moodiness are hallmarks of teen behavior and one of the most worrisome for parents. Here's a parent survival kit for dealing with teen mood swings.  Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

How to talk and listen to your teen

"We need to talk." Hearing those words makes me nervous. I don't know whether it's the faint implication of censure, the possible portent of bad news or just the fear of the unknown, but I get edgy when someone says that to me. Kids get nervous, too. Here are parenting tips on talking to teens so everyone feels comfortable.  To read the article, click here How to listen to your teen. (Please note: there are several errors in this article and I apologize for that. I'm not sure, but I think they're happening when I transfer the article from WORD to the template I'm using.)

Teaching kids friendship skills begins with parent example

Making friends (and keeping them) is one of the most important skills kids learn. But it's not learned with textbooks or lesson plans. Building healthy relationships is a hands-on activity. When kids struggle to make friends, it's easy for to blames schools. But schools can only do so much to foster friendship skills. The best lessons begin and end at home. Here are ways parents can teach kids to make friends. Teaching kids friendship skills begins with parent example 

Parenting teens through relationship drama (without tearing your hair out)

 As a mom, I'm generally confident handling childhood hurdles--potty-training, picky eaters, night frights--bring 'em on. There's one issue that shakes my equanimity--teen relationship drama. Whether they're boyfriend-girlfriend connections or same-gender friendships, teenage relationships are often fraught with drama and drenched in anxiety. Frankly, I'd rather walk barefoot over hot coals carrying a sack of nails on my head than deal with drama (esp. OP--other peoples'--drama. I can distance from drama in my own relationships. In my kid's--not so much). Even the term "drama" makes my face twitch. Disagreeable as they are, relationship problems are part of a teen's life and they need us parents for emotional support. After four kids (and a lot of trial and error), I've assembled some thoughts for parents on helping kids navigate peer relationships.  How to parent teens through relationship drama without going crazy - Yahoo! Shine

For best parenting practices, nix frequent cellphone texts

During most of my early parenting, cellphones weren't so common and texting was virtually unheard of. Though I've had a mobile device for about 12 years, I still don't have a texting plan. In parenting, I can think of few good outcomes and lots of negative ones from frequent cellphone texting. I'm not referring to business cellphone use, but casual chat.  This isn't multitasking--it's an accident waiting to happen. Here's why texting and parenting don't mix. For best parenting practices, nix frequent cellphone texts 

Verbal bullying: 7 kinds of talk that kids shouldn't be subjected to

No parent is perfect, and I'm no exception. I've used inappropriate language and said things I shouldn't around my kids. But that doesn't mean I don't have standards about what I do and don't want my kids to hear. Some kinds of language constitute verbal harassment and bullying. I may not be able to protect my kids from everything, but I can certainly stand up to objectionable things. No matter who is saying these things, be they friend or family, there are certain kinds of talk that I won't subject my kids to. If it comes on television, the set goes off. My kids know that songs that use these words don't come in the house.  7 kinds of talk that kids shouldn't be subjected to 

Biggest parenting time-wasters with better alternatives

Wasting time is something we all need to do now and then. Continually working at maximum productivity isn't good for machines, let alone humans. We parents are especially notorious for working ourselves to the edge and over. When I work too hard for too long, the quality of my work suffers (I'm also freakishly grouchy). Having said that, there are more and less healthy ways to waste time. Here are some not-so-great ones, with better alternatives. (Picture shows us wasting time at a gazebo at Myrtle's Plantation in St. Francisville, La. For tips on how to waste time, click here Biggest parenting time-wasters (with better alternatives)

How to Get Your Teen to Respect You Without Compromising Your Integrity

How to Get Your Teen to Respect You Without Compromising Your Integrity I've heard it said that 'today's teens lack respect for authority'. Are teens disrespectful of parents of adults? How can you make your teenager respect you without compromising integrity? Here's how to teach teens respect. Lead by example. Healthy respect begins with healthy role models. Do you show respect for others? Are you polite in public, to family members and co-workers, with authority figures? If you engage in sarcasm, mocking, shaming or rude behavior, don't expect your kids to act any differently. Read more...

Tips for Parents About Setting Curfews for Teenagers - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com

Tips for Parents About Setting Curfews for Teenagers Your children are moving into the teen years, going out more, and staying out later at night. Should you set a curfew for your teenagers? Should they be expected home by a certain time? Are teens safer with a curfew? The answers are yes, with exceptions.

Protective Parent, Over Protective or Power Struggle

Protective Parent or Partner Power Struggles
Family dynamics are complicated to say the least. Parents have relationships with each other as lovers, as partners and as caregivers for their children. It's vital that parents keep personal power struggles out of their parenting decisions. Co-parents and ex spouses need to be very careful with this.
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How to Get Your Kids to Accept Your New Spouse or Lover

How to Get Your Kids to Accept Your New Lover or Spouse
I'm not going to mince words in this article. If you are divorced with kids and in a new relationship, there are a few things you need to know about parenting with another spouse or lover. What can you expect of your kids?
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How to Parent: Setting Expectations with Children

Setting Healthy Appropriate Expectations for Children
Parents have expectations of their children. What is the difference between appropriate and inappropriate expectations with children? Here are 'pass' and 'fail' expectations and ways to set expectations for kids.
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