Here you will find articles that will help you establish the authoritative role you need as a parent. Our experts explain different parenting styles and roles, and tell you which ones are most effective. We explain why parental control is important—and how to maintain it.
Recently, a frustrated mom sat in my office and said, “I just don’t know what to do anymore. We’ve tried everything! There’s no punishment that gets through to our child; there’s nothing we can say that will fix her behavior. There’s so much going on we just don’t know where to start.” Sound familiar? Parents... Read more »
Kasey* was a fifteen-year-old girl who arrived at my adolescent treatment center with a rap sheet and an attitude. She was beautiful, she came from a very wealthy family—and she was way out of control. When we met, I began to lay down the usual ground rules. Kasey, who towered over me, screamed, “F--- you,... Read more »
I realized recently that if I'm going to protect my daughter, sometimes the answer has to be "no." This isn't the fun part of being a parent. My daughter looks so mature. She tells me she can handle it; I can trust her. She has it under control. She’s so convincing. It sometimes feels like I'm talking to someone... Read more »
I've worked with many parents who are frustrated because their child won't accept 'no' for an answer. Too often, these parents feel it's important to explain their reasoning in an attempt to get their child to understand. Unfortunately, wanting your child to understand can easily shift into wanting their approval or acceptance of your reasons.... Read more »
In part two of this series, James gives you 7 ways to get back parental control and stop living in fear of your child’s acting-out behavior. Most people aren’t afraid of their children; rather, they’re afraid of their child’s behavior. It’s important to understand that this fear undermines your authority as a parent because it’s... Read more »
Do you walk on eggshells around your child, afraid of doing anything to set him off? Do you appease him when you notice he’s winding up to throw a tantrum? In part one of a two-part series, James Lehman, MSW explains how fear of acting-out behavior sets up a dangerous pattern for your child—and the... Read more »
“Because I said so!” What parent hasn’t said these words to their child in a moment of sheer exasperation? What you’re really saying is that you are the one in charge and you want the discussion to end. Of course, sometimes ending it abruptly is appropriate and sometimes it’s not. When this phrase is used... Read more »
A few months ago, we asked Empowering Parents readers to share how they respond when their child acts out. We asked this question because we want to help you be a more effective parent with real life, day-to-day struggles. There were three parenting styles that readers consistently told us they were using and weren’t working... Read more »
If you are a parent who negotiates constantly with your child, you probably feel like you’re living with a little lawyer who “objects” to every rule and request and wears you down with endless questions and challenges. With some kids, everything becomes a negotiation, and it starts from the time they... Read more »
