Focus on Better Behavior

...

More about: Co-parenting is a Balancing Act

My ex-husband has been a pretty good dad. I hate to admit it sometimes, but he’s always been there for the kids. He never missed a weekend. He coached soccer and attended school functions. As much as I would have like to have traditional family, I think we have been able to co-parent through our divorce pretty well. It’s something that I am actually proud of.  I know he is too. When our kids were little, parenting them was easier. He worked during the week and had the kids every other weekend. Things changed when he got remarried. He wanted to have the kids for a chunk of time in the summer so he could take vacations and have ...

More about: Summer Break with Dad

How do you parent respectfully? Well, first you have to understand what it means to have or give respect.  Respect is defined as admiration of someone or something.  You show respect when you take someone else’s feelings, thoughts and ideas into consideration before you act.  You can also show respect by acting honestly and truthfully, listening and acknowledging someone and giving them worth.  Respect is not something that is given, it is earned.  To earn someone’s respect, you first have to act respectfully towards them.  This includes children as well as adults.  Respecting a child will demonstrate respectful behavior and teach the child what it means to be respectful. When you respect a child, respectful behavior will ...

More about: Tips for Respectful Parenting

I have never been able to predict where I will end up. I started having kids young. Sixteen to be exact. So I assumed that I might not ever get married. It’s really hard to get a date when you’re a teen mom. Then I met my first husband. I got married at only 19 and had two more kids by the age of 21. My husband and I were not compatible at all. Everyday was a fight and a struggle. When we finally divorced, I was only 23. That was a lot of living for one so young. I was quick to look for another partner and soon reconnected with my first love from high ...

More about: When You Are the Wicked Stepmother

As a divorced mom, I have to say that co-parenting is never easy.  Every interaction with my ex was fraught with danger and the lack of control that I so despise.  But recently I had to take a step back to realize how easy I had it. My good friend and her husband are getting divorced.  Not such a big deal was my first reaction.  But he is not around.  He is deployed in the Navy and has been gone for a while.  In addition, he’s not going to be back for an even longer while.  My friend is used to doing things for herself.  It’s been a hard road ...

More about: Co-Parenting Alone?

You know, I know a lot of people who really want to have kids.  The desire to be a parent can be incredibly strong, especially for a woman.  But, if you know someone who has the “baby disease” you rarely hear them wishing for a toddler or a teenager.  It’s always a baby, cute little clothes, diapers and gear.  There are tons of classes on how to care for a baby.  But you don’t see people beating down the door to take a class on parenting teenagers.  That’s because, caring for a baby is easy.  They are small, cute, and they don’t talk back.  Look at your teen.  They are awkward, lanky and often have a style all ...

More about: The Power of Consequences

I am sure you have read the recent article All Joy and No Fun: Why Parents Hate Parenting? basically stating that parenting does not make you happier. I don't really agree with this mainly because happiness is subjective. Someone who does not have children cannot attest to the pure joy that is parenting. Of course there are times where we feel we may lose our sanity, but the payoff is so much bigger. I admit I have had moments with my three year old where I just can't take it anymore and want to leave. But, it's never to leave for good. I realize that when those times come up, I just need a break. Being a ...

More about: Parenting is Full of Happiness and Misery

There are so many stages when parenting children. You may find that if you have a teenager you are happy to be done with the toddler stage. When your children reach the teenage years, they are more capable, can dress themselves, eat by themselves and you don't have to keep tabs on them at all times. Of course there are other challenges that come with parenting teens. They are at a point in their lives where they question who they are and who they want to be in life. They will challenge you with their independence and you will learn about yourself as a parent and a person. You have to pick your battles because some things will just be ...

More about: Truths About Parenting Teenagers

You may shy away from this topic wanting the health education in your child's school to handle it, but you really do want to take this on at home. It's important for you as a parent to be real with your kids and arm them with the correct information. With this in their arsenal they will be able to recognize the fact from fiction from what they hear from their peers. You may encounter some embarrassing moments but it's worth it if you are able to be open with them and allow them the space to ask questions and talk to you about what they might be feeling or going through regarding sex. There are many books that can help ...

More about: Talking to your Children About Sex

There may not always be time to play outdoors during the summer but that doesn't mean your kids have to be bored. There are several things you can do or have on hand to keep them entertained without putting them in front of the television. Play dough is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Break out the board games and puzzles and have some fun. Legos are a great way to encourage dexterity and critical thinking and have fun at the same time! Do some crafts using recycled materials, like egg cartons, tubes, lids or newspaper. Create an indoor obstacle course in the living room with pillows and blankets and create silly rules to ...

More about: Ways for Your Kids to beat Summer Boredom Indoors