Character Building from KidsDiscuss.com

Parenting Resources – Press Release – New Social Skills Kit for Kids!

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

A New Parenting Resource - Social Skills Kit for Kids is Hot off the Press:

From counseling parents and kids for over 20 years, I knew I needed to create a special kit helping kids make friends with kids. Just in time for the "back to school jitters" you'll find the Social Skills Kit for Kids hot off the press at: http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/parent_resource_center.asp?pr_id=kd011

Dale Carnegie and Social Skills:

Dale Carnegie wrote How to Win Friends and Influence People for adults. His book is easy to read and highly practical. He helped so many adults grow socially with his simple methods.

In my private counseling practice, I made Dale Carnegie's social skills easy for children too. They worked so well. Now I'm offering you the opportunity to help your kids make friends with kids using these proven methods.

In our Social Skills Kit for Kids you'll:

• Help your child learn the #1 secret out of 50 tips for making friends.
• Role-play with your child one social skill a week to practice with classmates.
• Chart the progress and hand out the rewards.

With the Social Skills Kit for Kids you'll be helping your child:

• Put an end to the loneliness.
• Feel friendly, confident and happy.
• Become a skilled communicator too.

Be proud of your parenting skills. Be proud of your kids. Teach them these proven methods and watch them grow.

Check out our Press Release at: http://kidsdiscuss.com/pdf/Press_Release_Social_Skills_Kit_for_Kids.pdf Feel free to send it to your friends and colleagues.

 

Then visit our website and treat yourself and your children to our Social Skills Kit for Kids at: http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/parent_resource_center.asp?pr_id=kd011

 

 

 

 

Effective Child Discipline – 3 Ways to Express “Parenting Feelings” without Anger

 

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

Effective Child Discipline:

When disciplining your child do you ever feel out of control? Do you feel like you're in a runaway car and can't stop? Do you hear yourself saying things you know you'll regret? Inside you'll find some parenting advice for getting your feelings under control before you discipline.

Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:

• In our last post we discussed a quote from Dorothy Parker.
• We also shared how to practice the "parenting sounds."
• In this post, we'll look at a quote from Maggie Scarf.
• We'll also share some tips on how to discipline with effective "parenting feelings."

Parenting Quote:

"Getting angry can sometimes be like leaping into a wonderful responsive sports car, gunning the motor, taking off at high speed and then discovering the brakes are out of order." – Maggie Scarf

Let's face it, most of us have been "too mad" at our kids. Like the straw that broke the camel's back, sometimes the littlest problem explodes in our minds. Then we say and do things we regret.

Maggie Scarf's quote adds another element. When your child sasses, hits her little sister, or walks his muddy boots on your freshly scrubbed floor, it's easy to feel like a "wonderful responsive sports car." As we gun our angry motors, it feels so good. When our anger gains too much momentum, a little voice inside of us says, "Oh! Oh! This is too much." At this point it's tough to slow down because our "brakes are out of order."

3 Parenting Tips - How to Discipline with Effective "Parenting Feelings:"

When you're tempted to yell, "You never listen! How can you be so stupid! When will you ever learn?"

Consider the following:

• Mentally zip your lip. This will buy you time to get into the "parenting zone."
• Tell your child to wait for you.
• Go to another room and spend some time deciding on how to proceed. Come out when you feel you can be fair and reasonable.

You're goal is to take your foot off the gas. Get in a reasonable state of mind and think effectively. If you do, you won't be saying regretful things. You'll be teaching your child a great way to deal with anger. You'll be building character too.

In our next post, we'll discuss effective parenting actions for disciplining kids.

Please add you own tips for creating good "parenting feelings" when disciplining your kids. We'd love to hear them.

If you liked these parenting tips, pick up our FREE Parenting Tips - 21 of the Best at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com where you'll find them at the top of the page.

Subscribe to our FREE Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

 

If you'd like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out our Parenting Skills Kit with its Kind and Firm "Discipline Stick". Now is a great time to build character.

 

Parenting Tips for Sounding Effective When Disciplining Kids

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

Effective Child Discipline:

Do you regret the things you say when disciplining your kids? Do you wish you could take back your words? Do you hope your kids will forget what you said? Inside you'll find some parenting advice for sounding "just right" when you discipline.

Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:

• In our last post we discussed a quote from Rita Rudner.
• We also shared how to practice the "parenting look."
• In this post, we'll look at a quote from Dorothy Parker.
• We'll also learn how to discipline with effective "parenting sounds."

Parenting Quote:

"The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant – and let the air out of their tires." – Dorothy Parker

We dream of raising a happy family. We don't dream of disciplining. Yet discipline is crucial to parenting well. Letting the air out of your kids' tires can be done with words. Yelling dreadful things like, "I hate you! You're so stupid! You can't do anything right!" is more deflating to our kids' self-esteem than unscrewing the cap off a tire. To be an effective parent, you'll want to think before you speak. You'll want to consider the results of your words. You'll want to say just enough and no more. Below you'll find and good way to start. It's called "parenting sounds."

Follow the Example of Professional Speakers:

Public speakers routinely use the mirror and the tape recorder for practicing their talks. They listen to the sound of their voice. They practice where to pause and which words to emphasize. They record their speeches, listen, make changes, and record them again until it sounds "just right." By practicing both the parenting look and the parenting sounds, they gain the confidence they need to present well.

Parenting Tips for Effective "Parenting Sounds:"

Let's say your child forgot to feed the dog, didn't do his homework, stole money from your purse, hurt a neighbor kid, or something else. You've been yelling at him since he was a toddler. It isn't working. They say an ignorant person keeps repeating things that don't work. What can you do?

As in our last post, we practiced the "parenting look" in the bathroom. Let's head for the bathroom again. It's time to practice the "parenting sounds and the "parenting look together."Lock the door and turn on the fan. Keep your practice sessions to yourself. Turn on your tape recorder.

Parenting Tips for Sound Parenting:

Your goal as the parent is to practice the look, the words and the sounds with which to discipline effectively. You'll want to remove sighs, anger, and exasperation from your voice. You'll want to practice speaking with controlled, serious, and authoritative tones. You'll want to use words you'll feel good about later. You'll want to avoid lecturing by keeping it short and simple. Say just enough and no more. Practice the look, with the voice and the words while imagining your child's response. Tape record your practices until you're satisfied. If your tone, your words and your look are balanced, then your discipline will be too. Remember, if you're replacing poor discipline habits with these new parenting skills, it will take practice.

By employing the above parenting tips, you won't be letting the air out of your child's self-esteem. Your home will be a pleasant place. You'll become the parent. You'll be respected and you'll be building character too.

In our next post, we'll examine another tough and tender parenting tip that will help you discipline effectively.

Please add you own tips for effectively disciplining your kids. We'd love to hear them.

If you liked these parenting tips, pick up our FREE Parenting Tips - 21 of the Best at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com where you'll find them at the top of the page.

Subscribe to our FREE Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

 

If you'd like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out our Parenting Skills Kit with its Kind and Firm "Discipline Stick". Now is a great time to build character.

 

Parenting Tips ~ Building Character with the “Parenting Look!”

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

Child Discipline:

Do you look too harsh or too weak when disciplining your kids? Are they afraid of you? Or do they consider you a weakling? Inside you'll find some parenting advice for looking "just right" when disciplining your kids.

Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:

• In our last post we discussed a quote from Ogden Nash.
• We also shared 5 parenting tips on effective discipline.
• In this post, we'll look at a quote from Rita Rudner.
• We'll also take one of last week's parenting tips, the "parenting look," and practice it.

Parenting Quote:

"I want to have children and I know my time is running out: I want to have them while my parents are still young enough to take care of them." –Rita Rudner

Wouldn't it be nice if experts raised our kids? Grandparents have the experience. Maybe we should follow Rita Rudner's advice. Who needs that special bond between parents and children? Who needs the purpose in life that parenting offers? Wouldn't it be easier to avoid training kids altogether? If you found a simple method to discipline your kids that would make parenting easier, would you feel encouraged to be the parent? Inside you'll find and good way to start. It's called the "parenting look."

Parenting Tips for the "Parenting Look:"

Look for this tip in the bathroom mirror. Let's say your child ate the last cookie, sassed you, hit his brother, lied about his chores, or something else. Let's say today's stresses have exceeded your patience. Let's say your temper is triggered to fire. What could you do instead of blasting your child? Run to the bathroom. Act out the "parenting look." You'll find it in the mirror.

Public speakers routinely use the mirror for practicing their presentations. They check out their facial expressions. They pretend to see their imagined audience. They put the two together.

Your goal as the parent is to practice how to look and how to connect with your child when you discipline. You'll want to avoid hateful looks that emblazon themselves in kids' minds and looks that tell them you're a pushover parent. You'll want to look serious and in control. Practice that look and imagine your child receiving it. If your look is balanced, then your discipline will be too.

By employing the above parenting tips, you won't need to follow Rita Rudner's advice. You'll enjoy raising your own children. You'll be respected and you'll be building character too.

In our next post, we'll examine another tough and tender parenting tip that will help you discipline effectively.

Please add you own tips for effectively disciplining your kids. We'd love to hear them.

If you liked these parenting tips, pick up our FREE Parenting Tips - 21 of the Best at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com where you'll find them at the top of the page.

Subscribe to our FREE Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

 

If you'd like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out our Parenting Skills Kit with its Kind and Firm "Discipline Stick". Now is a great time to build character.

Parenting Skills ~ 5 Effective Parenting Tips That Gain Respect from Kids

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

Do your kids ignore what you say? Do you feel disrespected? Do you wonder what you did wrong? Inside you'll find some parenting advice for examining how you present yourself to your kids.

Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:

• In our last post we discussed parenting thoughts from Edward, Duke of Windsor.
• We also shared 10 parenting tips on how to be "tender" with your kids.
• In this post, we'll look at a quote from Ogden Nash.
• We'll also offer 5 parenting tips for effectively disciplining your kids. You'll earn their respect too.

Parenting Quote:

"Children aren't happy with nothing to ignore, and that's what parents were created for." – Ogden Nash

It hurts to be ignored. Parents are ignored for being too strict. Others are ignored for being too week. How you consistently present yourself to your kids is the key. Here are some parenting tips to consider if you don't want to be ignored.

5 Parenting Tips for Effective Discipline:

• Create the effective parenting look.
• Use effective parenting tones.
• Speak with effective parenting words.
• Feel effective parenting emotions.
• Take effective parenting actions.

Parenting Advice for Being Effective When Disciplining:

• To create the parenting look, make sure your face looks serious. Weak faces get ignored.
• To use the parenting tones, make sure your voice is respectful and firm. Unsure tones get ignored.
• To speak the parenting words, talk calmly and with authority. Both Unkind and hesitant words get ignored.
• To feel the parenting emotions, avoid anger, fear, and uncertainty. Feel calm, in control, and strong. Parents with out of control emotions get ignored.
• To take the parenting actions, be consistent, reasonable, and follow through on what you say. Inconsistent parents get ignored.

By employing the above parenting tips, your children won't ignore you. They will respect you. You'll enjoy being the parent and you'll be building character too.

In our next post, we'll offer a tough and tender parenting tip that will help you practice your effective parenting style before you discipline.

Would you like to add you own tips for effectively disciplining your kids? If so, we'd love to hear them.

If you liked these parenting tips, pick up our FREE Parenting Tips - 21 of the Best at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com where you'll find them at the top of the page.

Subscribe to our FREE Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

 

If you'd like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out our Parenting Skills Kit with its Kind and Firm "Discipline Stick". Now is a great time to build character.

10 Parenting Tips for Building Character the Tender Way

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

Who's the boss in your family? Do you find yourself being too nice? Inside you'll find 10 parenting tips for being tender but not "too tender."

Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:

• In our last post we discussed parenting thoughts from Bill Cosby.
• We also shared examples of the "too tender" parenting style.
• In this post, we'll look at a quote from Edward, Duke of Windsor.
• We'll also offer a list of parenting tips for being tender but not "too tender."

Parenting Quote:

"The thing that impresses me most about America is the way parents obey their children." –Edward, Duke of Windsor

Parents, who turn parenting over to their kids, make a big mistake. It's like a McDonald's executive giving his job to a kid who can't fry hamburgers. Turning parenting over to a child is a recipe for disaster. So how can parents do their job well? Below are some parenting tips for being tender but not "too tender."

10 Parenting Tips for Parenting Well:

• Be the parent.
• Use your wisdom and authority to be tough and but not "too tough."
• Speak respectfully with your kids.
• Listen to your children.
• Spend fun time with your children.
• Teach your kids how to solve their problems.
• Discuss moral dilemmas
• Conduct family meetings.
• Laugh out loud with your kids.
• Praise, hug, kiss, and give positive attention every day.

By employing the above parenting tips, you'll be tender but not "too tender." You'll be the boss while bonding with your kids. You'll enjoy being the parent and you'll be building character too.

In our next post, we'll offer tough and tender parenting tips that will establish your proper authority and give you the cooperation you deserve.

Would you like to add you own tips for being tender but not "too tender" with your kids? If so, we'd love to hear them.

If you liked these parenting tips, pick up our FREE Parenting Tips - 21 of the Best at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com where you'll find them at the top of the page.

Subscribe to our FREE Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

 

If you'd like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out our Parenting Skills Kit with its Kind and Firm "Discipline Stick". Now is a great time to build character.

Character Building ~ How to Be Tender and Just When Disciplining Your Kids

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

When your kids argue, do you feel like ripping your hair out? Do you long for peace and quiet? Whether you like it or not, sometimes you can't have quiet. To be a good parent, sometimes you have to make the tough choices.

Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:

• In our last post we discussed parenting advice from Peter Ustinov.
• We also shared ideas on parenting with toughness.
• In this post, we'll look at a quote from Bill Cosby.
• We'll also examine why being "too tender" is an injustice to your children.

"The truth is that parents are not really interested in justice. They just want quiet." – Bill Cosby

To avoid arguments, you're probably "too tender" if you let your kids:

• Stay in bed instead of going to school.
• Watch TV instead of doing chores.
• Play video games instead of doing homework.

Parenting Advice - If you don't make the tough choices when your kids are young, they may end up shrinking from life by:

• Looking for the easy way out.
• Dropping out of school.
• Choosing drugs, alcohol, and other addictions.
• Experiencing depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
• Contributing little or nothing to home and society.

Parenting Tips for Being Tender but Not "Too Tender:"

• Let's pretend your child wants to stay in bed today because she stayed up too late last night. If you let her stay home and sleep, what's to stop her from staying up late every night? Being "too tender" has a price and it is an injustice to your child. Why not let her experience her tiredness and send her to school anyway. Maybe she'll choose a good night's rest next time.

   

• Imagine your child begging to watch TV instead of doing his chores after school. He promises to do them later. What's to stop him from developing a habit of getting what he wants first and not doing his chores later? Being "too tender" has a price and it is an injustice to your child. Why not insist that he do his chores before watching TV?

   

• Let's say you feel sorry for your child because her homework isn't easy. She tells you she'll think better after a few video games. She promises to do her homework after the games. You say "OK." The next morning she says she's too sick for school but you know it's because she never did her homework. Will you let her manipulate you a second time? Being "too tender" has a price and it is an injustice to your child. Why not tell her to do her homework first? Tell her the video games are rewards for homework well done.

   

  In spite of your own tiredness, frustration, and desire for quiet, avoid being "too tender." Keep your eye on the bigger picture. Do the right thing for your children now. Be consistent in teaching them both self-discipline and responsibility. It will be easier on you in the long run. You'll have less arguments and more peace because they'll know you mean what you say. They'll know you'll be consistent. They'll know they can't trick you into avoiding their responsibilities. When you're consistent in your expectations, you'll be a just parent and you'll be building character too.

  In our next post, we'll offer a list of tips for being tender but not "too tender."

Would you like to add you own examples for being tender but not "too tender" with your kids? If so, we'd love to hear them.

If you liked these parenting tips, pick up our FREE Parenting Tips - 21 of the Best at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com where you'll find them at the top of the page.

Subscribe to our FREE Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

 

If you'd like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out our Parenting Skills Kit with its Kind and Firm "Discipline Stick". Now is a great time to build character.

Child Discipline ~ How to Be Tough but Not “Too Tough” When Parenting Your Kids

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

Child discipline can build character in kids. If disciplining your child is difficult for you, you'll want to consider being tough but not "too tough." Below are some ideas you can use today.

Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:

• In our last post we discussed parenting advice from Ron Wild.
• We also discussed the "too tough" style of parenting.
• In this post, we'll look at a quote from Peter Ustinov.
• We'll also examine more ideas on how to be tough but not "too tough."

Peter Ustinov once said,

"Parents are the bones on which children cut their teeth."

Like bones, parents need to be strong. They need backbone to parent well. When parents are wimpy, they create monsters. When parents are "too tough", they create both monsters and shrinking violets. When parents are tough but not "too tough," they give their children security, confidence, and great habits for life. Read on to learn 10 ways to be tough but not "too tough."

Parenting Tips for Being Tough but not "Too Tough" with Your Kids:

1. Think before you speak.
2. Speak firmly without anger.
3. Say just enough and not more.
4. Stay in control of your emotions.
5. Say "No" when needed and stick to it.
6. Be consistent in your expectations.
7. Refuse to accept sassiness.
8. Follow through on requests and chores.
9. Limit TV, computers, and video games.
10. Keep the bigger picture in mind when disciplining.

When you're having a "bad discipline" day, remember Peter Ustinov's words. Sometimes you need to be the bones on which your children cut their teeth. Then ask yourself, "How can I be tough but not "too tough?"

In our next post, we'll discuss a quote from Bill Cosby and show how being "too tender" is an injustice to your children.

Would you like to add you own tips for being tough but not "too tough" with your kids? If so, we'd love to hear them.

If you liked these parenting tips, pick up our FREE Parenting Tips - 21 of the Best at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com where you'll find them at the top of the page.

Subscribe to our FREE Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

 

If you'd like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out our Parenting Skills Kit with its Kind and Firm "Discipline Stick". Now is a great time to build character.

Parenting Advice ~ This Parenting Style Sends Great Messages to Kids!

 

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

When your parents were upset with you, do you remember the tone of their voices? Do you remember the looks on their faces? Were your parent's words tough to hear but not "too tough?"

Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:

• In our last post we discussed parenting advice from Frederick Douglass.
• We also discussed the "too tough" style of parenting.
• In this post, we'll look at a quote from Ron Wild.
• We'll also examine how to be tough but not "too tough."

For most of us it's easier to be "too tough" when we're upset with our kids. We just want peace and quiet. We found out from our last post that we get much more than peace and quiet. We get child resentment, anger, and discouragement too. How can we be tough with our kids but not "too tough"?" Here's a quote from Ron Wild that should shed some light:

"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child."

Wisdom tells us that being "too tough" with our kids can encourage the Hitlers and Stalins of the world, people with bad attitudes, and people stunted by fear. To avoid being "too tough," consider Ron Wild's parenting advice. When disciplining, take the time to hear your tone, see your face, and listen to your words. That's the world your child sees.

Parenting Tips – How to Be Tough but Not "Too Tough:"

Children, like grown-ups, want love. Being "too tough" can rob them of feeling loved. Being tough but not "too tough means teaching your child self-discipline, responsibility, and kindness toward others. Your consistent toughness will show them your love and how much you care.

Parenting Advice – 3 Tough Messages to Give Your Kids:

• First this then that – First complete this, then you can do that.
• Work before you play.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated.

These 3 messages give kids the self-discipline and satisfaction from accomplishing their chores and goals. They teach kids to build character on the shoulders responsibility. They provide kids with a sense of order. They help kids feel the empathy for others they want for themselves. Being a tough parent but not "too tough" builds the foundation for a productive and satisfying life.

Why not take Ron Wild's advice and look through the eyes of your children? Help them feel good about what they do. Help them enjoy a life worth living. Being consistently tough with your kids but not "too tough" isn't so hard. When confronted with a parenting situation just ask, "How can I be tough but not "too tough?" You'll be sending great messages to your kids.

Do your children experience self-discipline, satisfaction, responsibility, and show kindness toward others? If so, we want your advice. If not, we'd appreciate your thoughts and concerns.

In our next post, we'll offer more ideas on being tough but not "too tough" with your kids.

If you liked these parenting tips, pick up our FREE Parenting Tips - 21 of the Best at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com where you'll find them at the top of the page.

Subscribe to our FREE Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

 

If you'd like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out our Parenting Skills Kit with its Kind and Firm "Discipline Stick". Now is a great time to build character.