Weekend Quote 10 -- from The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

 

Photo by Jourden C

"Consider the changes teenagers are going through when they do something rebellious or act out in rudeness or insincerity. Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, bouts of crying, heightened sensitivity, and inappropriate laughter. Cut your kids some slack the next time they explode -- when all you did was ask what they would like for dinner."

~Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

Weekend Quote 9 -- from The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

"The bottom line is to keep it plain and simple. Say "I love you" to your child [or grandchild] because you want to say it -- because you feel love toward your child, and because it feels good to say it. More often than not, you'll hear it said back."

~Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents 

Weekend Quote 8 from The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

"Giving children tasks that are real and that help your family function may encourage your kids to do them more often. They will enjoy the sense of accomplishment that new responsibility brings them. Learning responsibility is a lifelong process that begins at home. Understand that kids' capacity for responsibility is incremental, and they must learn the skills necessary to become responsible people. With patience and guidance, they'll be mowing the lawn and vacuuming in no time!"

~Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents 

Weekend Quote 7 from The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

Image by George Hodan

"Knowing right from wrong is a concept that takes time and experience to understand. Young children need adults to watch them and protect them from harm because they can't be expected to remember all of the rules and limitations set for them. It is normal for young children to misbehave because they are just learning the rules."

~Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

Weekend Quote 6 from The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

"Be consistent. This is actually the most important key to effective parenting. Inconsistency is completely ineffective. Your son is on a play date, and he hits another child. Reprimand him and explain that if he hits again, you'll take him home. If he does it again, pack him up and leave -- even if it's inconvenient. It's never easy to stick to your guns with a threat or a punishment, but the second that you give in, you lose all credibility."

~Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents 

Weekend Quote 5 from The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

"Become sensitive 

to your baby's temperament early on. 

You can then modify your approach 

to your child's behavior to anticipate 

and avoid conflicts before they occur. 

You'll be a lot more confident, 

a lot less frustrated, 

and you'll have a happier, 

more loving, 

and more satisfying relationship 

with your child!"

~Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

Weekend Quote 2 from The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

Image by George Hodan

 

"The most important thing to remember when dealing with sibling rivalry is never to compare your children. Comparisons among siblings create a competitive atmosphere. Treat them as equals -- even when disciplining them. When they experience the same consequence at the same time and for the same duration, neither can conclude that one is

 more important than the other."

~Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

Weekend Quote from The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents

"Giving children reasonable choices early on helps them learn to evaluate their decisions. Judgment skills learned in childhood should carry over into teen years, when they face even tougher decisions. When your teenager makes good decisions, you'll be glad that you spent the time to teach sound judgment."

~Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents