Category Archives: Building Self Esteem
Parenting Challenge of the Week: Asking “How” Questions
Good reporters know the importance of asking the “W” questions: who, what, where, when, and why. That’s great, but what we need right now are parents to ask themselves the “how” question. As in, “How is my child feeling about … Continue reading
Respond to Feelings, Not Just Content
Listening actively to our kids is the first step in helping them learn to be problem solvers instead of blamers and excuse makers. The second step is to let them know that we care about them and their feelings. Why … Continue reading
Using the BANK Method to Turn Discouragement Into Encouragement – Part III
Here we are, already on week three of the BANK method for turning a child’s discouragement into encouragement. You may want to quickly review my earlier posts on steps one and two: Break it down into baby steps. Acknowledge strengths. … Continue reading
What Communication Style Makes Your Child Feel Loved?
We’ve spent the last two days asking how well we know our kids and exploring ways to connect and communicate with them through daily conversations. While open communication is always a must for families, it’s important to grasp that knowing … Continue reading
Using the BANK Method to Turn Discouragement Into Encouragement – Part II
The BANK method is an easy way for parents to turn their child’s discouragement into encouragement. Break it down into Baby steps. Acknowledge strengths. Nudge to take the next step. Keep encouraging! Last Thursday we covered step #1: Break It … Continue reading
Using the BANK Method to Turn Discouragement Into Encouragement – Part I
If you want to encourage your child to do better at something, work at building on their strengths instead of focusing on weaknesses. When you focus on strengths rather then weaknesses, you build self-esteem and courage, and next comes positive … Continue reading
Guest Post: Show Don’t Tell Kids How To Live
I ran the Boston Marathon in 2010, three months before my 40th birthday. It’s likely the closest I’ll ever get to feeling like a rock star. During the race, the sidewalks are packed with family and fans screaming and cheering, … Continue reading
Parenting Challenge of the Week – Taking Time For Fun
Take a minute to think about something fun that you have done with each of your children. Remember the good feelings that you had while doing this thing together. Try to picture the joy on your child’s face while the … Continue reading
Every Day, A Little Play
In this blog we often discuss how important discipline is to a child’s development. Yet discipline does not occur in a vacuum. It occurs within the overall context of your relationship with your child. When that relationship is a good … Continue reading
The Top 5 Qualities of Character
There are many qualities of character that can help our kids survive and thrive in a democratic society, but five qualities form the foundation upon which most other qualities build. COURAGE: Success is never guaranteed, nor is it easy to … Continue reading
