Jan Hunt shares more of her parenting insights in this article.  She gives ten reasons for not hitting your kids.  read it and see what you think.   more »

I'm out of town and won't be blogging for the next few days.  see you on December 6th.   more »

Parents often feel frustrated when their chdilodren don't come home on time.  When a child does this, I look at the behavior developmentally.  At what age does this behyavior normally happen?  You find this behvior in toddlers.  They get so involved in what they're doing, nothing else matters; especially time.

If your child comes home late, say, "Thanks for letting me know you're not big enough and strong enough to come home on time.  The next time you want to visit your frinds or go out and play, you'll have to do it at home.  I know that someday, maybe sooner, mayber later, you'll be able to come home on time."  Say nothing else and walk away.  If yur child starts to argue, smile sweetly and softly say, "I love you too much to argue."  Then consinue walking away.

You can have your child do practice drills by going out ...   more »

Dr. Charles Sophy wrote an article called

R - E - S - P - E - C - T: Four Tips For Teaching Your Child Respect

he has some good ideas to consider of you want to raise your children to act more respectful.   more »

Paul and Gail dennison have written a small, paperback book, Brain Gym.  In it is an exercise called "gravity glider."  It not only helps with reading comprehension, it's good to do after sitting at the offie all day and before playing in a sports event like baseball or soccer.

Sit on a chair or sofa.  Cross your ankles.  keeping your knees relaxed, bend forward and reach out in front of you with straight arms.  Let your arms glide down toward your feet as you exhale.  Glide arms up as you inhale.  Repeat, moving arms to the left and up, right and up, and then center.  Change your legs and repeat.  For most people, their body feels lighter and more relaxed.

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Many parents refer to Proverbs 13:24 when disciplining their children.  The verse reads, “If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them.”

What many parents don’t realize is that the word ‘discipline’ actually means to instruct.

 

When we discipline our children, we want them to learn from their actions and choices, so they don’t make the same mistakes over again.  When parents send their children to time out or spank them and the same negative behavior continues, it’s time to change tactics.

 

If your child repeats the same behavior, make the consequence fit the crime.  For example, if a child hits another child, have the consequence be to do something for the hurt child; do his or her chore, or use a toy that belongs to the child who hit a sibling.  That’s a natural consequence that hits the child ...   more »