Do you ever ask yourself why you became a parent?

If so, don't let it get to you.  We all ask ourselves that from time to time.  I can remember when I had three children under the age of four.  I was a walking zombie.  I couldn't get a handle on anything.  My children were out of control, my house was out of control, and my relationships were also out of control.  I cried over mayonnaise commercials and Bob Barker from the Prices Right was my closest friend.  I didn't have a full night's sleep for over 5 years and I didn't even bother shutting the bathroom door.  I guess I thought "what's the use" a little person was going to come barging in anyhow.  Speaking of the bathroom, bathing was a luxury to say the least.

Over the years things got better and I learned how to parent.  But if I knew then what I know now, things would have gone a lot smoother.  So now, you can learn from my mistakes.  I created a program with three basic goals: Create Routines, Establish Boundaries, and Use Discipline vs. Punishment.  By learning the concepts of each goal you will curb children's behaviors such as: whining, temper tantrums, morning chaos, homework tears, and your children will begin to display: patiences, manners, and independence.  You'll think you have a new child!!!

The beauty of it all is that you are the one changing, your child just comes along for the ride. 

Parenting really isn't about  children, it is about parents.  Parents set the tone for how their children will behave.  When children know what is expected of them they have the tools necessary to succeed in life. 



Coming soon
The Power of Choice

We are all one choice away from failure or success!

Preschoolers
(ages 2-5)

A preschooler can be very helpful around the house.  I suggest around the age of 2 you let your child start to make their own bed.  It may not be perfect and don't temp yourself to fix it.  You want your child to be proud of himself...if you fix it you are basically saying "You are dumb, and I am smart."  Life isn't always about being right, it is about being happy.  Here is a list of other things preschoolers can do:

By Self:
Make Bed
Put Dirty Clothes in Hamper
Pick Up after Playing
Wash Fruit
Dry Silverware (no knives)

With Little Help:
Pick Out Clothes for the Day
Put Away Clean Clothes
Set the Table
Vaccum
Grocery Shopping
(make a picture book with the things you buy and let him pick them off the shelf)

Intermediate Aged Children
(ages 6-9)

Between Kindergarten and 3rd grade your child will establish behaviors that will create the person he will grow up to be.  You primary goal as a parent is to ensure your child comes
to school knowing his three R's ~Respect, Resourcefulness, & Resilience. 
Then the teacher will be able to take care of her three R's ~ Reading, Writing, & Arithmetic. 

When children come to school unprepared socially and emotionally they can not learn.