Character Building from KidsDiscuss.com

Parenting Tips for Bonding with Your Child with Music

Dear Parent,

How do you like your children's music? Are you into nursery songs? Do the latest tween hits appeal to you? What kind of music does your teenager listen to? Sometimes you'll enjoy their music and sometimes you'll hate it. Do your best to listen to their music for 30 minutes with them without putting it down.

Ask them questions about their music without being sarcastic. Ask sincere questions to help them think and evaluate their music.

Understanding their music is your mission. Avoid shutting down your child's openness about the music by forcing your opinion. Keep your real opinions to yourself. If the music has problematic words and values, your questions are very important.

Consider asking these questions:

What would happen if everybody in our neighborhood followed the advice in the music?

How does the rhythm affect you?

Does the music increase happy feelings within you?

Think up your own questions. Sometimes you'll like the answers. You'll see your family values shining through. Your child will enjoy bonding with you too.

How do you handle the music that your kids listen to?

Jean Tracy's Email

Enjoy parenting. Subscribe to my Free Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids at:

http://www.KidsDiscuss.com

 With warm wishes for your parenting success,

Jean

Jean Tracy, MSS

Parenting Tips from Experienced Parents

Dear Parents,

Do you ever get in power struggles with your child? Do you ever lose? How do you feel? If your child loses, how do you think your child feels toward you? Let's face it, some folks love to fight. They think yelling, belittling, and raising superior arguments makes them winners. Are they right?

Did you know that children will argue forever to get the last word? They'll go farther and last longer than most adults. At times like these, logic flies out the window. You'll be angry. Your child will feel powerful and think they've won because you quit fighting. In the end, everybody loses.

My counselor friend, Lori Holmes, advises, "Avoid power struggles with your child. If you lose, you lose authority in the relationship. If you win you make your child a loser."

Next time there's an opportunity to fight with your child, remember Lori's words. I believe they'll help you make the best choice.

What do you do when you and your child disagree? I'd love to know. Send me a note at:

Jean Tracy's Email

Become an exceptional parent. Subscribe to my Free Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids at:

http://www.KidsDiscuss.com

 With warm wishes for your parenting success,

Jean

Jean Tracy, MSS

3 Dating Ideas for Busy Parents

Dear Parents,

Are you so busy with your career, your children's activities, and running your household that you rarely have time for each other? Would you like some ideas on how to keep your love alive? Inside you find 3 dating ideas you can use right now. They won't cost you money either.

You'll find 121 dating ideas in my upcoming marriage e-book. Here are some of them to spark romance in your marriage:

1. Go for a walk and talk. Your children may need to come along if you don't have babysitters. Can you picture them in strollers, on bicycles, or skipping along in front of you?

    

2. Rub each other's back for 15 minutes. We all need human contact. When you rub each other's shoulders you rub out the stresses of the day. Use yummy lotion and help your partner relax to your touch.

    

    

3. Play your favorite game of card after the children are asleep. My husband and I play a simple card game almost every night. It connects us after a long day at work. We laugh, tease a little, and enjoy each other's company. You can too.

Keep your family close by loving each other. It's good for you and it's good for your children.

What do you do to keep your love alive? I'd love to know. E-mail me at:

Jean Tracy's Email

Become an exceptional parent. Subscribe to my Free Parenting Newsletter and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids at:

http://www.KidsDiscuss.com

 With warm wishes for your parenting success,

Jean

Jean Tracy, MSS