EmpoweringParents.com

Full disclosure: I was a rebellious teenager. I broke curfew frequently, yelled at my poor mom, and was generally surly and rude. (And oh, how I wish I could take it all back! I’ve apologized to my mom many times, but I would seriously love a time machine so I could go back and do my teen years all over again!) I was so sure, back then, that I was in control and knew what I was doing.

Boy, was I wrong.

Read more »

Does raising an adolescent ever make you feel like you’re being examined under a microscope?

I find I am in the process of analyzing my own values and behavior all over again, because my pre-teen daughter questions what I do — and always lets me know when I’ve slipped up! My truth-seeking eleven-year-old, who can’t see the pile of clothes on her bedroom floor, will notice even the slightest deviation within Mom’s mood or behavior. Lately her finger seems to have constant tension on the trigger that, when pulled, will fire my own truths at me and knock me to my knees.

Read more »

Adjusting to a step parenting role was a process that required a lot of growth on my part.  I’ve come by the answers to what works — and what doesn’t! — the hard way.

One thing I learned early on was that it didn’t work to be in charge of disciplining or correcting my stepson.  I thought it was best for my husband to carry out consequences and discuss problems.  Even though my stepson is usually receptive to my directions, I don’t want to assume a position where I’m the primary authority figure.

Read more »

Dr. Bob:

Help! I have a ten-year-old son with ADHD, and I’m dreading summer vacation. Last year was a disaster. He teased his younger brother and sister constantly, and was forever stomping around the house shouting “I’m bored!” — and then getting into trouble! Is there anything we can do this year to make the summer go more smoothly? I’m at my wit’s end and it’s only June!

–Janna P. in Kentucky

Dear Janna:

First of all, you’re not alone! I’ve talked to many, many parents who feel exactly the same way you do. The bottom line is that kids with ADHD have some special concerns, and it helps if parents can prepare a little ahead of time to ensure that the long stretch of summer vacation goes smoothly — and that their child is actually even learning something rather than getting into trouble all summer.

Read more »

If you’re constantly beating yourself up as a parent, it’s likely that you’re feeling powerless to change your child’s behavior — and ill-equipped for the job.  But trust me, it’s normal to feel uneasy or uncomfortable with some of the choices you make as a parent.  At some point, it’s important to move past those feelings of inadequacy and guilt and look for information and tools that will give you the sense that you’re taking charge and addressing the problem.  Let’s face it, sometimes it’s just easier to blame ourselves, someone else, or something else as opposed to looking for solutions and then working to put them into play.

Read more »

So I’m writing out the checks like they are going out of style. Summer piano lessons, summer swim lessons, summer tennis lessons, summer art class, summer drama club, summer soccer camp.  I’m justifying all this layout of cash by promising myself that I appreciate the opportunities that this  area offers and that this is a great time to introduce the kids to things they can try and maybe learn to love for a lifetime.

Right?

Who am I kidding? This is summer vacation, isn’t it? Who really gets the vacation if I’m still on a schedule and if I’m spending these glorious hot summer days, sweltering in some parking lot waiting to shuttle my kids to the next fun scheduled activity?

Read more »

I was recently interviewed by DETAILS Magazine about Father’s Day and Fatherhood. One of the questions was about the meaning of fatherhood and how fathers are portrayed on TV — and more importantly, in society as a whole. I was asked if there was a father figure from TV that I remembered or that stuck out in my mind.

Read more »

When we were kids, if my older brother acted out, invariably he’d get the, “If you don’t shape up, I’m going to send you to military school” speech from my dad. It’s a classic parenting response, (and a fate my brother narrowly escaped) but also an option that many parents consider every day. If you have a defiant, acting out teen or pre-teen, chances are you’re looking for an effective way to get your child back on track — and the thought of a military academy might have started to sound good.

Read more »