How to Teach Children Heartfelt Respect (& Skip the Fake Respect)
You don’t want fake respect from your child. You want your child to genuinely respect you, but how can you teach children heartfelt respect?
Guiding Disrespectful Kids: Eye Rolling, Door Slamming & Sass | [Mini-Episode]
What Tone are You Setting for Your Home?
A mom of three kids ages 10 to 14 emailed me this story this week: A friend once told me she worked to greet her children with enthusiasm, even if they had just come into the kitchen from the living room. I thought that might be a helpful way for me to consciously verbalize my enthusiasm for […]
What if Parents Talked to Each Other the Way We Talk to Our Kids?
Recently someone sent us this video from comedic mom group “The Break Womb” entitled, “What If Moms Talked to Each Other The Way They Talk to Their Kids…” It’s pretty funny, but it’s also a good reminder of how the way we talk to our kids can be subtly condescending or shaming. Take a look! […]
I Can’t Believe My 7-Year-Old Asked That!
I’ll never forget the day our firstborn came home in the fall of second grade with his right index finger moving back and forth through the circle he’d made with his left thumb and forefinger. “What’s this mean, daddy? The boys on the bus were laughing about it.” I couldn’t believe I was already […]
How do I talk to my kids about race?
Parents, are you struggling with how to address the recent racial tension that has exploded across the United States? At Connected Families we are on the side of Justice, Grace and Peace, without any judgment about how to legislate those values. We know that getting there requires humility and true curiosity. The following is a […]
Are You Teaching Your Child to Ignore You?
Parent makes a request. No response by child. Slightly stronger request. No response. Demanding yell that communicates “I really mean business!” Child reacts with fear and does what was asked. When parents are the ones who don’t listen John was chatting in a church lobby. His son quietly said, “Daddy,” and patted John’s leg to […]
What Are Your Parental Super Powers?
Sometimes it can feel like parents need super powers to survive the day and keep everything together. Kristi, a mom of two young kids, recently sent us this story about her super powers — but they’re not what she thought they were…
6 Teenage Survival Tips that Don’t Totally Suck
In our work coaching hundreds of parents of teens over the years, we’ve hit on six themes that draw the parent-child relationship closer. Read through and let us know in the comments below which of the tips you want to implement in your family.
How Your Smartphone Can Help Your Parenting
Ever wondered how your kids view you? Check out this mom’s simple plan to see herself through her kids’ eyes: I was intrigued by a TED talk about the benefits of teachers videoing themselves teaching in their classrooms. They use the videos to assess what went well and what could be improved. I realized if […]
