I know I have. I’ve read the books, studied the masters, emulated my mentors and still I find myself screwing up on a regular basis.
So when I have the chance to learn another tool or two about parenting, or indeed about improving any relationship, I will jump at the chance. Keep reading for free stuff….
Parenting...It's not always a walk in the park!
Enter author and parent educator Debbie Pokornik whose new book ’Break Free of Parenting Pressures’ Embrace Your Natural Guidance, is hot off the presses. |Today was my lucky day to interview her on Your Life, Unlimited’s CJOB radio show (www.cjob.com audio vault- April 30, 2010 8pm)
This easy to read book gently guides you, forgives you for mistakes and invites you to nurture the skills you have and tweak the ones that aren’t working so well. Written like your best friend is talking to you, rather than a hard hitting ’expert’ dictating, I think you will enjoy this book, too!
Debbie talked about how our ‘vision’ of parenting before we are parents very often differs from the parenting that we are actually doing, causing guilt and frustration. Aligning the type of parent you thought you would be to the kind of parent you are is paramount.
Here are a few take aways I gathered from her book that you can use right now:
- allow your kids (or yourself) the chance for a ‘do over’ eg-would you like to ask again without being rude?
- think about how a ‘good boss’ would handle the situation and act accordingly
- when considering using a parenting tool, use the FREE techinique-ask yourself if it is functional, respectful, effective and easy
- save ‘no’ for when you really mean it, otherwise try words like… maybe, convince me, yes-later, tell me more, let me think about that, I’m not sure that’s going to work-but I’m open to hearing more…
- ask for things to be done or describe the situation rather than telling
Even pulling out, or dusting off, one idea could have a huge impact on the relationship with your child, on your self- confidence and in keeping the peace. Think about how you could apply these techniqueseven beyond the parent-child relationship.
I love this radio show, it gives me a chance to learn and grow! Lucky me.
For a chance to win Debbie’s new book or her Parent Power CD set, send me a parenting tool that works for you! Or visit Amazon. com to order your copy.
Happy Parenting and remember-you are NOT the worst parent in the world, you are the best parent for your child-just keep on growing!
Stephanie Staples writing to you with an invitation to life, Your Life, Unlimited!
May 18, 2010 at 1:06 pm
One strategy I use to get my teen boys to help out with household chores is that I make a list of all of the chores I want accomplished over the weekend. I tell them that every member of the house must do 2 chores from the list. This usually works well enough because the first to take up the challenge gets first pick and thus avoids doing the chores they dislike the most. I then do whatever is left but I am satisfied knowing that everyone has helped out.
PS. Works with husbands too!