Below are some ideas on family resolutions that you might consider doing this year:
• Respect differences of opinion. Listen first, and then do what is right for your family.
• Count to at least three in your head before you speak harshly to your children, because they learn by your model.
• Give your kids the benefit of the doubt (just like you’d appreciate) before convicting them of the “crimes” that it appears they’ve committed against you or a sibling.
• Exercise and invite your kids to join you.
• Forgive (the key to building a trusting relationship) even if you are having a hard time forgetting what someone did to you.
• Tolerate your own imperfections and watch how easy it becomes to deal with mistakes your kids make in their behavior. After all, practice makes perfect in every aspect of our lives!
Let me know how you plan to “just do it” in 2010.
Tips for Successful “Time Outs”
Most parents use “Time Outs” in an attempt to change their kids’ unruly behavior. They believe that leaving their children alone for a period of time will provide an opportunity for them to think through their wrong-doings and ultimately choose more appropriate behavior in the future.
While a separation now and then when warranted does help, it certainly has nothing to do with time! A Time Out might stop negative behavior for that moment, but it will never change misbehaviors (just think about our prison system). And secondly, children do not know what to do during Time Outs to alter their behavior! All they know is that it doesn’t feel good to be separated from the people they love.
Here are some tips on making Time Out effective:
• Teach your kids what to do in time out: if they are younger, give them their “lovey,” so that they don’t feel alone. For older children, teach them to either listen to music or move (jumping jacks).
• Keep a close eye on children when they need to be separated from a situation. When they start to calm down, tell them how you are proud of them and they should be proud of themselves because they have stopped themselves.
• Rethink grounding your child: research tells us that after 24 hours of regret and remorse for what they did, kids just begin resenting their parents and spend their time thinking about how they can do it again without getting caught.
For more tips on Time Outs, watch Dr. Ann’s latest video, Time Out: More Harm Than Good?
Book Dr. Ann at Your Next Event!
Dr. Ann has a unique talent for connecting with parents who seek her help. Her conversational style lends itself to both television and radio, as well as public speaking to groups of all sizes. Regardless of the size of the event, Dr. Ann has the unique ability to make each parent listening feel as if the information is just for him or her, as she inspires with her logical approach.
Regarded as a nationally recognized expert in positive parenting, her clients think of her as a professional problem solver for children and families. Consider booking Dr. Ann at your next event – she’ll custom-tailor the curriculum to perfectly suit your needs for:
• Staff Trainings at Schools
• Childcare Settings
• Individual Parent Meetings
• Keynote Addresses at Conferences
• Workshops for Professional Organizations
• Workplace “Lunch and Learn” Seminars
• Continuing Education for Childhood Professionals
• Sessions for Parent Groups (MOPS, Mommy and Me)
Dr. Ann’s schedule fills quickly, so call today to get her booked!
About Dr. Corwin
Dr. Corwin has made it her life’s work to develop practical parenting programs for parents and children. She has a Ph.D. in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has helped thousands of parents for more than twenty-five years in parenting consulting and child development education, with children aged birth to five and beyond.
Call Dr. Corwin’s office at 949-643-9978 to book a private phone consultation or in-home observation/visit, or to get more information about having her keynote The Child Connection Program at your next event.
