After hearing the horrific news of the school shooting in Atlanta at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, we are left with questions of “Why?” and “How can I explain this to my children?” Because we work with, live with and see the parents, neighbors, and siblings of those affected, we are bound to have questions that can help us process this tragedy.
The Growing Parent: The Authoritarian Parent
“My husband and I are constantly arguing about which of our parenting philosophies is the best. He is more rigid and expects the kids to do whatever he says because he says so, and I am way more laid back and want to let them just be kids. Is he right, or am I?”
The Growing Parent: The Permissive Parent
The basic characteristic of the Permissive Parent is someone who doesn’t put much stock in setting and enforcing boundaries. This philosophy rejects the whole notion of keeping one’s children under control. A stark contrast to the parent who lacks the necessary tools to maintain control, the Permissive Parent believes the child is better off “just being a kid” rather than having to follow so many rules.
The Dating Coach Answers: How Can I Find My “Soul Mate”?
I’ve always been a romantic at heart. I love flowers, chick flicks, poetry, love songs, fairy tales, and the list goes on. I also used to love the idea of a soul mate—my one and only “prince” who would come into my life at the perfect time and sweep me off my feet, saving me from whatever drudgery I was experiencing at the time. We would live happily ever after, of course. Thankfully, my views about soul mates changed over time with doses of reality and life experiences….
Which Parenting Style is the Best?
“My husband and I are constantly arguing about which of our parenting styles is the best. He is more rigid and expects the kids to do whatever he says because he says so, and I am way more laid back and want to let them just be kids. Is he right, or am I?”
The Growing Parent: Anger & Finding a Solution
The sixth and final device I suggested was to take the time to talk through the situation and find a solution that is agreeable to both of you. As your children age, this concept will become more and more important. Having a history of open communication with your child will help to lay the groundwork for a positive experience throughout adolescence.
The Growing Parent: Anger & Assertiveness
Assertiveness can be very difficult at times, but in all relationships the ability to communicate assertively lowers the likelihood of misunderstandings. Communicating with our children is no different. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell someone exactly what you want from him or her when you’re frustrated, so this often takes a tremendous amount of effort.
The Growing Parent: Anger & Keeping Your Cool
Most of us have the tendency to say things we later regret when we are angry. Unfortunately, those that are the closest to us get the brunt of that more often than we would like.
The Growing Parent: Anger & Negotiating
Clearly the parent is supposed to be in charge, and I’m not suggesting otherwise. In fact statistics even show us that well-defined boundaries result in the best outcome for raising children. However, both my clinical and personal experiences show that being willing to give a little sometimes can have a tremendous impact on your relationship with your children.
Nathan’s Story: Athletes & Suicide Prevention
Athletes can have a difficult time of transition because they spend their whole lives working toward a collegiate and professional career in their sport of choice. Every evening, weekend, and holiday are spent in the gym, the driveway, a game, or a tournament. All of this hard work developing skills is for the ultimate goal of a scholarship or a contract.
