The best lessons about respect for authority figures—especially teachers, coaches and other adults at school—can be taught right at home. As you talk with your child about respectful behavior: Explain why rules are important. Tell your child that teachers have rules because they care about their students. Disrupting the class when the teacher is trying[…]
Your child left his backpack on the bus—again. Or he forgot to turn in his homework—again. Chances are, he’s been stricken with a common childhood malady: carelessness. It’s important to help him overcome careless habits now before they turn into irresponsible behavior as he gets older. Here are some tips: • Make it easier for him to remember. Is his[…]
Your child may think she has a “good reason” for lying, but that doesn’t make it okay. If your child lies to you, here’s how to deal with the situation: • Figure out why she lies. If lying results in your giving her your undivided attention, that could be what your child is seeking. The solution may be to spend more one-on-one time together. • Let her[…]
Consistency is the key to successful discipline, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also be flexible. If your child’s bedtime routine includes lights out at 8:30 p.m. sharp and you never, ever veer from it—even on special, once-in-a-blue-moon occasions—your routine may be too rigid. It’s important to build in a little flexibility. For example, has your child been studying hard for a test? Why[…]
Although disciplining children can be a tough job, it can be summarized in three simple steps: Be firm, be fair and be consistent. Consider what this might look like: 1. Be firm. Your rule is: No TV before homework is finished. Your child has put off her studies and now she doesn’t have time for her favorite show. She[…]