Learn about one of the three most important roles of a parent: The Limit Setter. The articles below will help teach you how to set limits and establish family rules.
Is your child playing video games instead of doing schoolwork? Is he avoiding social situations—and is his behavior worsening as a result of constant gaming? I’ve heard the desperation and concern in the voices of many, many parents whose kids seem to spend all their time playing video games. As one parent said, “I worry... Read more »
I've worked with a lot of children and teens with behavior problems over the years—and believe me, very few of their parents liked their friends. It's like the national anthem of parents: “It's not my child—it’s those kids he hangs out with!” When I hear that, I always say: “Maybe that's so, but the reason... Read more »
I didn’t really see it coming until it hit me in the face directly. I was having a mommy and me day with my youngest child, complete with a trip to the American Girl store that just opened up and then tea at a lovely hotel. While holding a doll named Sue I became giddy over... Read more »
Do you ever wonder if your rules are too strict—or too lenient? When is it time to reel your child back in, and how will you know when it's safe to loosen the reins a bit? Most importantly, is your child ready for more freedom and independence? Or are they showing clear signs that they're... Read more »
Establishing curfews, and holding your children to them, can often feel daunting, whether it’s because you know your child will challenge it or because you know you will experience some anxiety as you let your older teen stay out later as they get older. Here are 6 tips that will help you be more comfortable and... Read more »
Are you wondering if you are being too strict with your child? Do your kids make you feel like an ogre when you set limits? Does the word “no” kick off whining, yelling and protests? How many times have you heard your nine-year-old say something like: “That’s not fair! Brandon’s mom lets him watch Sons... Read more »
Picture this: It’s late and getting later. Jessica was supposed to be home an hour ago and Marie, Jessica's mom, feels her blood pressure ratcheting upwards with every tick of the kitchen clock. Marie alternates between fear for her daughter’s safety, and anger at being late for curfew — again. When Jessica finally walks in... Read more »
How many times has this happened to you? You set a limit on behavior, and your kids ask, “Why?” or ignore your limits entirely. Or perhaps it’s a war of inches—your adolescent tests you by coming in a few minutes later past curfew each time he goes out. Then he accuses you of being petty... Read more »
Recently, I talked with the mother of a 16-year-old girl enrolled in Empowering Parent's eCoaching program about her daughter’s behavior outside of the house. This mom had just begun the Total Transformation program, but had questions about how to use its techniques to make her daughter follow the rules when she was away from home.... Read more »
Q: Why do parents tend to dismiss inappropriate behavior as “a phase?” James: When a child is between 18 months and two years old, they’ll start to walk away and say "no" to their parent. The child is practicing a new skill. Parents call it a phase because eventually, the “no” goes away and the child... Read more »
