3 Parenting Tips: How Kids Discuss Making Excuses

"It wasn't my fault."
 
Narrow-minded kids might say, "It wasn't my fault."

 

Narrow-Minded Children Need Open-Minded Parents. Many kids naturally act to gain pleasure and avoid pain (punishment). Open-minded parents can model both calmness and reason. By doing so, they can help their children see both sides of a bigger picture.

In today’s post, we are sharing 3 dinner discussions. They don’t tell your children what to think. That’s not their purpose. The goal is to help your child slow down, think reasonably and see a side other than their own.

Use the dinner discussions to find out what your children really think. Don’t force your ideas. Listen well. Your mission is to open their minds by asking them to give advice to 3 narrow-minded kids.

 

  1. “It Wasn’t My Fault”

12 year-old Josh had been told many times to pick up his things. Yesterday, his 5 year-old brother Tommy, while running down the hall to the bathroom, tripped on Josh’s bookbag. He sprained his wrist in the fall. Josh blurted out, “It wasn’t my fault.”

  1. Did Josh have any responsibility for Tommy’s sprained wrist? Why?
  2. How could Josh blame Tommy for spraining his own wrist?
  3. By blaming Tommy, what could Josh avoid?
  4. What advice would you give Josh?
  5. If Josh followed your advice how might he have reacted differently?

 

I forgot 1000
 
Narrow-Minded Kids Might Say, "I Forgot."

 

  1. “I Forgot”

Whenever 11 year-old Sheila’s mom asked her, “Do you need help with your math homework?” Sheila would answer, “No, it was easy. I did it in school.” Then she’d run out to play.

Sheila received a poor grade in math because she rarely handed-in her homework. When her mother saw the report, she said, “You’re supposed to ask for help when you need it. Why didn’t you?” Sheila said, “I forgot.”

  1. Do you think Sheila was open to getting help? Why?
  2. Did anything stop Sheila’s from doing her homework? If so, what?
  3. If you were Sheila’s mom, would you accept, “I forgot,” for an answer? Why?
  4. What advice would you give Sheila? Why?
  5. If Sheila opened her mind and listened to you, what might she do? 

 

You're so mean 1000
             
            Narrow-Minded Kids Might Tell a Parent,                   
"You're So Mean!"

 

  1. “You’re So Mean.”

13 year-old Jerry begged his dad for an expensive new bike. His father asked, “Are you willing to work for it?”

“Do I have to?”, asked Jerry.

“If you really want a bike, you’ll need to keep your room clean, do your chores without complaining, and cut the grass every week this summer. Are you willing to do that?”

Jerry stared at his dad and yelled, “You’re so mean!”

  1. Why did Jerry yell that his dad was mean?
  2. What do you think stopped Jerry from working for a new bike?
  3. If you were Jerry’s Dad, would you give him a bike without expecting anything in return? Why?
  4. How open-minded do you think Jerry was about taking responsible?
  5. Is manipulating others with insults a good strategy? Why? 
  6. If you gave Jerry advice, what would you suggest?

 

Getting children to think reasonably helps them see the bigger picture. Open-minded thinking can slow down their pleasure seeking and speed up accepting responsibility. They might even think before they act.

Becoming reasonable and open-minded won’t happen overnight. Using dinner discussions can start the process.

Here are similar posts you might find helpful:

Character Tips for Parents of Kids Who Whine

Parenting Skills - Turning Your Kids Into Independent Thinkers

 

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Jean Tracy, MSS

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Parenting Solutions: Turning Pessimistic Kids into Positive Children

OPTIMISTIC KIDS LOOK FORWARD TO PLEASANT EVENTS. How can you instill this practice in your children? Each day ask your child to make a "Morning Forecast."

If your child smiles a lot, chances are she’s a positive thinker. But if she pouts, her gloomy face, down-turned lips, and sullen frowns reveal her darker thoughts. Can you help her change? Certainly!

In today's article, you’ll find 5 toxic thinking behaviors to overcome, 6 behaviors to promote in yourself, 7 positive activities to teach your kids, and a children’s poem to discuss with your youngsters.

As you can see, The Morning Forecast is so easy. The other activities are easy too. Why not find out more ways to promote positive attitudes in your loved ones? If you do, your child will be happier, make more friends, and be able to influence others in good ways. Your family will benefit too. What have you got to lose? Why not turn your moody kid into a happier person?

Negative Girl SMALL
 
Moody Kids Have Darker Thoughts

 

You'll find today's article at:

The Positive Child: 18 Top Parenting Tips and Tools

 or at:

https://kidsdiscuss.com/feature_article.asp?fa_id=195    


 

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Jean Tracy, MSS

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10 Parenting Tips: Teaching Kids to Value Honesty

Hispanic Family SMALL
 
How Parents Help Children Evaluate Truth and Lies

 

CAN PARENTS TEACH KIDS TO BE HONEST? ABSOLUTELY! Is there an easy way to help your child choose honesty? Yes!

When parents ask fun questions to help kids develop their own reasoning skills, kids often share their real thoughts.

Respectful listening is the key. If you model respect, avoid put-downs, and listen well, you might be surprised. Why? Because your child may offer ideas like yours.

In today’s video, you’ll find thought-provoking questions for your child. You'll ask about the problems with lies, reputation, guilt, and the value of a clear conscience. Your ability to avoid telling them what to think and your power to listen well will greatly influence their characters. Why? Because they won't be fighting your ideas.

 

Family of 3 SMALL

 

The Honest Child and Conscience – 10 Parenting Discussions

 

View this YouTube Video. Copy the script below the video. Then ask your kids the 10 questions. Enjoy their answers.

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Family Character: Simple Activity Strengthens Relationships

 

Happy Family SMALL
 
CREATE A SOLID FAMILY FOUNDATION

When children feel like they belong to a loving family team, they experience inner security and confidence. Today's parenting gift shares an easy bonding activity. It helps family members develop a strong foundation with solid roots.

You'll be asking your family, "What do you want our family to be like?" To get the family discussion going you'll find 12 suggestions. Everyone should get a chance to share their ideas.

When you have a list of ideas, take a family vote and pick the top 6 suggestions. Choose someone to print them out and post them on the fridge or put them in a picture frame with a family photo as a reminder.

Challenge the family members to notice these qualities in each other as they occur.

Feel free to download this parenting gift to use whenever it is needed.

Pick it up at http://kidsdiscuss.com/subscriber-gifts.asp and insert the keyword:

Bonding

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How Parents Raise Loving Families - 7 Tips + Video

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FIND OUT THE EASY WAY TO RAISE A CARING FAMILY!


Sincere words, a smiling voice, and eye contact are 3 ingredients you can easily use to create caring in your child.

Your words, whether harsh or loving, will be replayed over and over throughout his life. Your harsh words can become the critical judge he'll hear in his head when he does his homework, looks for a job, or raises kids of his own. 

If your words are kind and encouraging, they'll become his inner "Head Coach" and give him the confidence and courage to live a happier more productive and caring life.

But what if she's sassing, demanding, or lying? Clearly this is not the time for coddling and kind words. It could be the time to hold your tongue and not give in to the sass and demands. It's not easy.  IT CAN BE DONE!

How Changing Words Changes Family Life

Here’s a brief video with 7 family compliments that include honest words, a kind voice, and specific comments you can use. You’ll also find out how a tiny box, a family dinner, and noticing behaviors can help you raise a caring family.

Please Watch and Enjoy This Short YouTube Video Now.

Confident Kids! A Powerful Parenting Tool:

 

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Children and Divorce Video: 6 Parenting Tips

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Helping Your Child Cope with Divorce

CHILDREN NEED HELP with SEPARATION and DIVORCE.

If your parents divorced when you were young, did they know how to help you? If yes, you were fortunate. If no, is the pain still with you?

Perhaps you still block out fights between your parents or maybe you remember wondering, "What will happen to me?"

Many children think they caused the divorce and say to themselves, 'Maybe if I had behaved better...'

Some kids feel angry and blame their parents for breaking up their home.

Of course, there are important reasons for divorce like physical and mental abuse. But not all marriages that end are because of abuse. Even so, divorce for any reason isn't easy for kids.

How to Help Kids Deal with Divorce - Video

Today we have a special video that expresses how children feel and how to help them cope with divorce. You'll find 6 simple parenting solutions like what to do when you need to communicate with your ex or what to do instead of buying expensive presents when you want to ease your child's pain. You'll learn what children really want from each of you and what they're most afraid of.

This brief video can help whether you've gone through a divorce or whether you're thinking about it. Perhaps you know a family who could use these ideas to help their children. If so, please share it with them.

After you watch it feel free to copy the transcript below it to capture the 6 parenting strategies. You can start using them today.

Children and Divorce: How Parents Show Love

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  • 101 Ways to Get Your Children to Cooperate

 

 

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Changing Stubborn Behavior - 5 Top Parenting Tips

.Mother and children
You CAN Help Your Stubborn Child Learn to Cooperate!

POWER STRUGGLES WITH CHILDREN INCREASE PARENTING STRESS. If you're raising a stubborn strong-minded child, you can get relief. 

The parenting video below offers 5 effective skills for turning contrary kids into cooperative children.

Imagine the good feelings of being in charge, of raising children who listen, cooperate, and who love chatting with you. It can happen.

Please watch this brief video and copy the transcript below it to capture the 5 parenting solutions. You can start using them today.

 

The Stubborn Child - 5 Positive Parenting Solutions

https://youtu.be/l3Rn_q8oxKY

Stubborn Girl SMALL
Helping Her Become a Family Team Member

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  • 80 Fun Activities to Share with Your Kids
  • 101 Ways to Get Your Children to Cooperate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Blaming Children: How Parents Stop the Excuses

Blamer Boy
"She made me do it!"

IF YOUR CHILD AVOIDS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS MISTAKES, don't let it become a habit.

In the video below you'll find 7 parenting solutions to stop the blaming.

Many children think punishment is the worst thing in the world. Their young minds don't realize that everyone makes mistakes, especially them.

If parents are too harsh and not kind, kids' excuses will increase because they fear punishments. Parents can be balanced in helping children take responsibility. One of the parenting strategies in the video addresses this.

Allowing kids to blame others for their mistakes can also cause problems because it promotes a weak backbone and more blaming

The following brief video, How Parents Help Kids Stop Blaming Others will offer the 7 parenting tips you need to handle your child's blaming problems.

 Blaming Girl SMALL

   "I did not make him do it. It's his fault."

 

How Parent Help Kids Stop Blaming Others

 

If this video was helpful, please comment and share because it will help spread the tips. 

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Jean Tracy, MSS

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Sassy Kids: How Loving Parents Stop Sarcasm

Sassy girl
You Can Help Your Child Overcome Sarcasm

SASSY SARCASTIC KIDS CAN TEST YOUR PARENTING SKILLS. When your feelings are trampled on by your child's cruel words, it's hard to feel like a loving parent.

What Is Sassy Behavior?

Today’s post shares 7 sarcastic expressions, 5 examples of rude behavior, 5 ways to hold your temper, and 9 action steps for you to take to stop the sass. You’ll get a clear picture of what child rudeness is like and what to do about it.

What Consequences Await a Sassy Child?

Sassy Boy
Stop the Sassy Behavior Now!
  • Gulf between parents and child
  • Loneliness and estrangement from friends
  • Attitude of superiority that turns others off
  • Sarcastic personality that offends others
  • Guilt for his sarcastic behavior

All of these fail to teach children how successful living works. They make it difficult to make friends and become a happy person.

Loving Parents Can Stop Sarcasm

Not all love is warm and fuzzy. True love for your child may mean taking effective action. It’s important to keep your eye on the bigger picture for your youngster’s future. By not allowing sassiness to become a habit now, you’ll be building character and helping him become a likable person with a happier life.

Click on Your Sassy Child: How Parents Overcome Sarcasm and start using the 9 action-steps today. It's easier than you think. It's free too.

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Sassy Behavior Video: Stop Kid's Sarcasm with 10 Parenting Tips

Sassy Child
Rude Behavior - Don't Accept It!

 

Many children use sassy behavior to get their way. If your child is rude to you and you want to stop it, watch our brief video, Sarcastic Behavior: 10 Positive Parenting Tips. Here’s one of the solutions:

Parenting Tip # 8

Tell your child exactly what to do to replace the sass.

“Repeat what you said but say it with respect.”

 For instance, she could answer:

  1. “I’m sorry for saying, ‘Do it yourself.’ I’ll set the table right now.”
  2. “I'm sorry I rolled my eyes when you told me to do my homework. Next time I’ll ask, ‘May I do my homework after dinner?’”
  3. “I shouldn’t have said, ‘Give me a break,’ when you asked me to carry in the groceries. I’ll get them now.”

Accept your youngster’s apology if you feel it is sincere. Otherwise, let her know that it still sounded rude and to try again.

If your child is younger, role-play the sass and then the better behavior. If she likes to draw, have her draw the sarcastic behavior and then the respectful conduct.

When she uses polite manners, be sure to compliment her. This may increase her politeness and decrease her disrespect.

Please watch our video now: Sarcastic Behavior: 10 Positive Parenting Tips

        

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