Raising Kids

Helping kids develop socially acceptable behavior, self-control, and character is our most important job as parents – and the most difficult.

Why do kids or teens misbehave?

  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Frustration
  • Anger
  • Feelings of Neglect
  • Insecurity
  • No Positive Role Models
  • Adult expectations are too high
  • School Failures
  • Not Enough Sleep
  • Need for Attention-Negative attention may seem better than no attention at all
  • Family Changes (Divorce, Stepfamilies, Illness, or Incarceration of a Parent)

 How can parents encourage good behavior?

  • Be direct, honest, and open.
  • Make sure your kids or teens know-in words they can understand-exactly what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable.
  • Set realistic limits. Don’t be afraid to say no.
  • Be consistent. Reward good behavior with praise, hugs, kisses and privileges.
  • Handle misbehavior with reasonable punishment related to the misconduct.
  • Always let kids or teens know why they are being punished.
  • Always let them know you love them, even when they disappoint you.
  • Think before you speak.
  • Be sensitive to your child’s feelings.
  • Have a conversation time everyday. Talk about your kid’s or teen’s day. Talk about your day. Create open communication.
  • Always know where your kid or teen is and who they are with.

 Praise Phrases, Try some!

  • You’re number one!
  • Great job!
  • Well done!
  • You can do it!
  • Super job!
  • Thanks for being honest.
  • I’m so proud of you!
  • I love you!

Suggested Readings For Parents and Children:

  1. What Kids Need To Succeed: Proven, Practical Ways To Raise Good Kids (Book for Parents)
  2. The Pearls Of Love and Logic For Parents And Teachers (Book for Parents)
  3. Children: The Challenge. The Classic Work On Improving Parent-Child Relations (Book for Parents)
  4. Self-Esteem: A Family Affair (Book for Parents)
  5. How To Talk So Kids Will Listen, And Listen So Kids Will Talk (Book for Parents)
  6. Good Kids, Difficult Behavior-A Guide To What Works And What Doesn’t (Book for Parents)
  7. 13 Steps To Help Families Stop Fighting And Solve Problems Peacefully (Book for Parents)
  8. Go To Your Room-Consequences That Teach (Book for Parents)
  9. Get Out Of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me And Cheryl To The Mall? A Parent’s Guide To The New Teenager (Book for Parents)
  10. Parenting Teens With Love and Logic (Book for Parents)
  11. When Parents Love Too Much: Freeing Parents and Children To Live Their Own Lives (Book for Parents)
  12. Bringing Up Parents: The Teenager’s Handbook (Book for Teens)