Your Child Needs Structure!

Do you have repetitive struggles with your child, in which one or both of you get upset?

This frequently happens when parents are unclear how to set limits in a way that empowers their child and brings out his best.

Last week I shared a powerful question with you that will assist you in reducing the number of conflicts you have with your child. If you haven’t already watched this short video (3.5 minutes), I urge you to do so and be sure to read the comments below as they provide valuable insights from parents just like you.

Click here to watch “The Most Important Parenting Question”


My new video below “Your Child Needs Structure!
” builds on the information from the week before, helping you understand why your child needs limits and what limits are worth setting.

I cannot emphasize too strongly how essential and empowering this information is. By taking just a few minutes now, you can get a timely reminder or even a brand new idea to explore and implement. Take time now to watch them both!

Hope you’re making precious time to enjoy nature with your child this summer. Doug and I are heading out early today with 5-year-old grandson Sebastian for a 6-day camping adventure in the Sierras. So looking forward to sharing some cool stuff with him!

Happy trails!

The Most Important Parenting Question

I have a new video for you today that has the power to “rock your world” as my friend Isabel likes to say and in a profoundly positive way.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all the things you need to pay attention to as a parent?

Do you ever wonder if you are on the right track as a parent or if there is something more your child needs and wants to develop fully, to be happy, self-confident and self-reliant?

Today’s video will help you cut through all the chatter and conflicting parenting ideas out there. This is the parenting question that is intrinsic to all other parenting questions. It underlies all parenting decisions you make.

Enjoy!

Let me know what you think, and if you like this video, please tell others!

For Dads…and the Women Who Love Them

I’m delighted to talk with you again. Our home remodel is complete – new hardwood floors and new lovely, warm colors, and more of our incredible granite in the bathroom! You can tell I love it!! Now all that’s left is unpacking a few more boxes.

My husband Doug and I also took a 6-day camping trip in the Sierra Mountains of Eastern California two weeks ago, discovering spectacular new territory, hiking, and enjoying the breath-taking beauty and peace of Mother Earth.

I hope you’re spending time with your child in nature this summer. It’s good for you and your child. It’s the perfect place to have spontaneous meaningful conversations.

I have a new video for you that I am really excited about! Of course, I’m excited about all of them, and this one is especially dear to my heart.

The emotional connection between you and your partner makes a profound impact in your child’s life, probably more than you realize. I designed this short video to give you powerful insights to deepen your partnership and communication.

A dear friend and colleague Meryn Callendar is about to release a book in which my son Orion and I contributed “Why Dads Leave: Insights and Resources for When Partners Become Parents” that addresses this topic more deeply. I’ll let you know when it is released. It is a must-read!

Feel free to share the video with your partner and other dads you know. I especially recommend sharing it with your partner, whether male or female.

What do you do to keep your emotional connection with your partner strong and flourishing? Please tell us in the comments section below. You just might give someone else an idea that will make a big difference to them. That’s one of the values of community.

Secret to Being More Patient with Your Child

I hope you and your family are enjoying the start of summer! My husband and I are deeply into a remodel of our home – the offices and bedroom – all of which have closets with lots of stuff. It’s expanded into a bigger project than we anticipated — doesn’t it often? — and we are making good progress and love how it is looking.

Today’s Video

Every parent gets frustrated and angry with their child from time to time, and you say or do something you later regret. What makes the difference in its impact on your child and in your relationship are how frequently you become upset and how intensely.

It’s important to remember how emotionally sensitive your child is. Yes, even your surly teen. In fact, your child is probably more aware of your up-tightness than you are. What you say and do affects your child’s self-confidence and his connection with you more deeply than you probably realize. This one is crucial!

Today’s short video gives you the most important step to being more patient with your child. Without this step, you will continually try to control and manage your anger without getting to its root causes and making the long term changes you desire.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I love hearing from you and want you and your child to love your joyous time together! Write your question in the ‘Comment’ section or send me an email.

Parents’ Most Common Misunderstanding

When are the times you struggle to understand why your child is acting the way she is?

When you wonder why your child repeats a behavior that you’ve frequently told him not to do?

Your child’s repetitive behavior challenges occur when you unknowingly misunderstand what matters most to your child, what she most needs from you, her mom and dad.

Watch this video and gain a deeper understanding of what makes your child tick!

Then tell me what you are you going to do to improve your relationship with your child. How do you see these behavior difficulties differently? Share your insights with other parents!