The "Yes, I Can" Child

It's FREE to attend! Join 14 Experts at the HeartWise Parent Telesummit starting January 3rd

Raising Great Kids: A Heartwise™ Telesummit to Help Parents & Professionals Learn Best Kid-Care Practices for Health, Emotions, Discipline and Technology

Two parenting authors, Dr. Caron Goode and Dr. Minette Riordan, have organized a virtual conference offering12 hours of free training for people who raising and caring for children.

The excitement is building for a January, 2012 free GLOBAL virtual conference to kick off the grand opening of HeartWiseParent.com and empower parents and professionals to learn the latest how-tos for easy birthing, gluten-free meals, nutritious eating, fostering emotional intelligence, managing technology and children, preventing cyber bullying, and maintaining loving discipline through values, responsiveness and boundaries.

The purpose of this telesummit is to INSPIRE, INFORM, AND INFLUENCE parents, coaches, counselors, caregivers, educators, teachers, and grandparents about the best practices for raising great families. Taking place in January, 2012, the virtual presentations are made on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week starting January 3rd through January 27th, 2012 @ 1 PM CT. Each week of January offers a hot topic and refreshing information, allowing parents to breathe easy when they hear about new science, health, and strategies for discipline.

Week 1 – Health & Fitness

Week 2 – Emotional Intelligence

Week 3 – Discipline

Week 4 – Kids & Technology

There will be a panel of 15 experts who will speak about the topics that parents and professionals are buzzing about: Safe birthing options, gluten free diets, nutritious eating, strategies for helping kids learn emotional social skills and what discipline is most effective, as well as nurturing. We won’t leave you wondering what to do about the questions of kids’ time on the computer and the topic of cyber bullying. What a treasure trove of practical and inspiring information for parents, educators, caregivers, nannies, coaches, and family members.

The virtual online event will be held all four Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in January 2012. Go to HeartWiseParent.com and enter your email address to get more information and a reminder about the event.

Here is the lineup of speakers and topics for the virtual conference:

Week One: Health and Fitness

Tuesday, January 3, 2012, 1 PM CT – The Path to Safer, Easier Births – Dr. Jeanne Ohm believes that “raising children” begins at conception and includes our state of being in pregnancy and birth. In this session, Dr. Ohm will discuss the state of birth today and how to empower women to make informed choices for conscious birthing. She is Executive Director of the ICPA and Chief Editor of Pathways to Family Wellness magazine. www.icpa4kids.org

Thursday, January 5, 2012, 1 PM CT – Staying Sane While Cooking for Varied Needs – Debbie Johnson best-selling author of Think Yourself Thin also wrote a “Natural Recipe” Column for The Edge Life Magazine. These recipes came about due to Debbie’s own personal health challenges. Do you have vegan teens, a diabetic family member, and a gluten-intolerant child? To cook just one meal, one dessert and everyone can add what they need. Discover the simplicity of flexible recipes and “add-ons” from the former executive chef of her own gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, allergy-friendly, vegan to meat restaurant. http://www.glutenfreefun.com

Friday, January 6, 2011, 1 PM CT – Synchronize with the Season… Winter into Spring Medicine: REST, RESTORE, REVITALIZE! – Dr. Jeanette Wolfe shares how to synchronize your children & families with their natural, optimal rhythms for health & harmony. She’ll cover seasonal foods, supplements & practices to support your family’s vibrant energy with seasonal, natural wellness. Dr. Jeanette Wolfe is a Naturopathic Doctor, Intuitive Counselor, currently works with medical institutions, schools, corporations & families & children to empower all who seek her out to heal emotionally, physically & spiritually! www.planetapothecary.com

Week Two: Emotional Intelligence

Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 1 PM CT – What Does Emotional Intelligence Have To Do With Children’s Happiness & Success? Everything! – Korrel Kanoy shares that not all children have the aptitude for superior academic performance, a superstar athlete, or to excel in the arts. But, all children can be taught emotional intelligence skills, which significantly enhance their happiness and social and academic success. Korrel he has been a college professor for over 30 years and published Annie’s Lost Hat (available from amazon.com), a picture book for children that teaches emotional intelligence lessons through the story. http://kidsemotionalintelligence.com

Thursday, January 12, 2012, 1 PM CT – What Are The 5 Steps You Use to Emotion Coach Parents? – Keyuri Joshi “retired” from nursing to be a stay at home mom. As her only child grew, she turned her passion of championing others as a Life and Parenting Coach, and an Emotional Intelligence Coach. Of vital importance to Keyuri is to teach parents how to build emotional intelligence skills in their children. Research proves that kids who are raised by emotion coaching parents are on a completely different trajectory than children of other parents. www.ontheballparent.com

Thursday, January 12, 2012, 1:30 PM CT – Giving From the Overflow - Cassandra Arnold’s mission as an ACPI Certified Parenting Coach is to teach what she has learned as a parent, proprietor of a childcare center, and facilitator of parenting partnership support groups. In this presentation, you will learn what it means to give from the overflow when parents feel continual tension between satisfying their needs and satisfying their children’s needs. There does not have to be conflict. We forget that you are the greatest gift you can ever give to your child — a satisfied, happy you. That’s giving from the overflow.

Friday, January 13, 2012, 1 PM CT- A Research Based Approach to Bullying – Reduce the Effects by Understanding the Causes – Astrid Witt is a sought after speaker for schools and parent organizations, offering a research based perspective on how the brain learns and what consequences this should have for our schools. She notes that bullying is constantly on the rise and mandatory anti-bullying programs not only fail to bring results, but rather contribute to the problem. You will learn why anti-bullying doesn’t work, how to stop bullying, and the fundamental difference of helping victims vs. empowering victims, discernment between bullying and criminal behavior and more. WhatTheExpertsKnow.com

Week Three: Discipline

Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 1 PM CT – Secrets to Successful Discipline – Debbie Johnson was a highly sought after as a substitute teacher for three years in inner-city school of Phoenix and Denver. Teachers and administrators noticed her skills in getting extremely difficult children to listen, learn and pay attention. Discover the secret of creating the image that will call your family to the highest within each of your loved ones. From understanding the way boys may respond differently than girls to the images that work for all, best-selling author Debbie Johnson will share compassionate communication that works. http://djsuccesstraining.com

Thursday, January 19, 2012, 1 PM CT – Loving Discipline – Chris White, M.D., is a board-certified pediatrician, parent educator, and life coach. He is the director of Essential Parenting and the creator of Loving Discipline and will clarify how parents can help children be clear about their values, self-motivated and self-directed toward their goals, capable of respectful and responsible behaviors on their own. Loving Discipline creates a harmonious household, preserve your child’s dignity, and support them in becoming fully themselves. Http://www.essentialparenting.com

Thursday, January 19, 2012, 1:30 PM CT – Responding Your Way to Effective Discipline Management – Sharon Egan is passionate about helping parents discover the incredible rewards that effective parenting can bring to a family. Join her to explore if impulsive reactions equate to effective behavior management and explore ways to discipline effectively through responding to your children’s behavior. Through her work as psychotherapist, teacher, parent educator, workshop presenter and speaker and as an ACPI Certified Parenting Coach, Sharon knows how to navigate through the stress, the pain, and the “what now” moments that parents face. sharonegan@whatnowparentcoach.com

Friday January 20, 2012, 1 PM CT – Raising a Values-Centered Family – Dr. Minette Riordan will share how to determine what your own values are, how to model values and how to structure family rules, relationships and discipline around your values. Educate your children to discern what matters to them and how living a values-centered life leads to high self-worth and personal success. Dr. Minette Riordan is the founder of North Texas Kids magazine and is a certified parenting coach as well as trainer for the Academy for Parent Coaching International. She successfully built a multi-media publishing company targeting families in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. http://www.NorthTexasKids.com

Friday January 20, 2012, 1:30 PM CT – Discipline is Not a Dirty Word – Lesa Day In today's world, "discipline" tends to carry a negative connotation. Thoughts of order, control, and punishment come to mind when asked to define the word in the context of parenting. Although all of those words are part of the definition of discipline it doesn't need to have a negative slant to it. In this presentation Lesa will share why...

discipline is important in a child's growth and development
a child thrives with discipline
it's critical in building a child's character
how to start taking positive action steps immediately.

Lesa Day has been coaching parents in the private sector for over 20 years. With her top selling book in hand, “How to Get Your Child to Say, Yes! I Can! And I Will!” this Atlanta based speaker transforms the hearts and minds of our youth and empowers them to reach their greatest potential. http://www.yesIcanandIwill.com

Week Four: Kids and Technology

Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 1 PM CT – What Parents Need to Know about Cyber-bullying and How to Prevent It – JP Butler has worked with youth since 2004. He has conducted classroom instruction, workshops, assemblies, trainings, and has personally mentored youth nationwide. Cyber bullying is quickly becoming a very dangerous form of peer abuse. No matter what site you are using, know the signs of cyber bullying, the dangers of cyber bullying, and learn what steps you can take to help prevent a cyber bully from gaining the power! JP provides all-school youth assemblies, school staff trainings, and parent presentations on bullying to help all of his audiences understand why bullying is still a very prevalent issue in today’s society.

http://www.quantumleadershipinc.org

Thursday, January 26, 2012, 1 PM CT – How Today’s Technology is Affecting Children’s Emotions, Creative Abilities and World View – Michael Simonson

With the current use of technology today many children do not need to utilize their own creative abilities. When children are taught to explore and utilize their creative abilities they learn to be in control of their mind and their body. Michael Simonson has been involved with a pilot program at the Hunter School in Rumney, New Hampshire, a school for young boys and girls with ADHD, Asperger’s and related conditions. Adam Mosston, an Emmy-Award winning TV producer who has captured some of the children’s progress on film.www.energeticallysensitivechild.com

Laurie Ferris, as the mother of Zach, has experienced for years the emotional roller coaster and stress of parenting an energetically sensitive child. Laurie began working with Michael Simonson to save her son Zach, ultimately resulting in Laurie getting her son back. He is now off of all medications. Laurie currently works at the Hunter School in Rumney, New Hampshire, a small non-profit therapeutic boarding school that offers holistic and complimentary approaches to helping young children with ADHD, Aspergers and related conditions. www.energeticallysensitivechild.com

Friday, January 27, 2012, 1 PM CT, Managing Your Family’s Technology Habit – Dr. Polly Dunn asks, “Does your family spend more time communicating online than with each other?” You may not be able to get your kids down to under two hours of screen time a day, but you can work towards reducing their viewing habits to a healthier level. In this presentation you’ll learn the skills you need to decrease your family’s technology use to a reasonable level and increase the quality time that you have to share with each other.

Dr. Polly Dunn is a licensed psychologist, specializing in child clinical psychology. In addition to her work as the Director of the Auburn University Psychological Services Center, Dr. Dunn is a wife and mom of four kids ranging in age from 4 to 14. Dr. Dunn’s blog www.ChildPsychMom.com provides practical and user friendly parenting advice. www.childpsychmom.com

Family members, teachers, parent coaches, consultants, caregivers, parents, nannies, counselors—any heart-centered support persons or service professionals who need help in connecting and disciplining with responsiveness and structure will appreciate the information offered in this free telesummit. Learn how to support children’s resilience and success in living an inspired life.

Go to HeartWiseParent.com and enter your email address to get the call-in information to join this telesummit. Each of the four weeks of content-rich calls will last about 40-60 minutes to allow presentations and answers your questions.

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January 15, 2012

SIGN UP NOW! This Week HeartWise Telesummit Offers FREE Workshops on Kids & Technology

Heartwise Parent Telesummit on Raising Great Kids. Each week we explore a new topic with parents and professionals to inspire and enlighten you about what new and nurturing.

Click link now to attend the FREE HeartWise Parenting Telesummit.

FOUR HOT TOPICS

Week 1 – Health and Fitness

Week 2 – Emotional Intelligence

Week 3 – Discipline Is To Teach

Week 4 – Kids and Technology

Join the Sweepstakes Now and Be Eligible for Prizes Refer a Friend & Receive 3 E-books

Week Four: Kids & Technology: Each of our sessions is a unique, live event with a different panel of guest speakers on different topics relating to parenthood.

Thursday, January 26, 2012, 1 PM CT – How Today’s Technology is Affecting Children’s Emotions, Creative Abilities and World View – Michael Simonson

We've got great LIVE broadcasts.. Please note that these are NOT "replay" events. Replays are only available for 36 hours from the time that we send the replay email with the link and password. Every link will be unique each session.

If you cannot listen to the live event or it is after the 36 hours, the replays will be available in weekly packages or the complete package. These valuable replays are only available for the month of January – purchase here for you personal parenting library .

Every interview will be broadcast live via teleseminar and webcast at 1:00 pm CT and 1:35 pm CT. Click here to determine your global time zone. All calls are accessible via the Internet and Skype

You’ll get emails with important access information for the events happening each day. The call-in number will be the same for every call.

If you are ready to become the best parent you can be, you will not want to miss this FREE 4-week program with 14 inspiring presenters covering topics on health, fitness, emotional intelligence, discipline and technology. Best of all, you can participate from the comfort of home. All you need is a computer or a phone line!

Click here to join this amazing event from the comfort of your home at HeartWiseParent.com

Hosts:   Dr. Caron Goode - Founder of Academy for Coaching Parents International, author of the award-winning Raising Intuitive Children (2009) and Kids Who See Ghosts (2010)  Minette Riordan, PhD, CPC, owner of North Texas Kids online magazine

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January 02, 2012

5 Tips for Creating a Safe Sleep Environment & FREE Parenting Telesummit Starts Tomorrow!

For babies, sleep time is the longest time each day they are without the constant supervision of their parents or caregivers. For this reason, setting up a safe sleep environment is essential.

Whether you are a new parent or a seasoned parent who is welcoming a new addition into your family, it’s important to be aware of and to follow current sleep safety guidelines. When you do, you too will get a better night’s sleep knowing that your baby is sleeping in the safest environment possible.

To set up a safe sleep environment:

1. Put your baby to sleep in a safe sleep space. Babies should sleep in a safe crib with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. As of June, 2011, all cribs made or sold must comply with new safer crib standards. These standards include the elimination of cribs with drop-side rails from the marketplace as they pose a significant safety to risk to children. For more information on choosing a safe crib, visit the website of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA.org). JPMA is a national trade organization that offers safety certification for cribs.

2. Put your baby to sleep alone. Nothing should be in your baby’s sleep space but your baby. Pillows, crib bumpers, blankets, loose toys or any other soft items should not be placed in your baby’s crib. Instead of a blanket, opt for a light, wearable sleep sack to keep your baby comfortable at night.

3. Put your baby to sleep in a safe location. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for the first six months of life, a baby should sleep in a crib in his parent’s room. According to the Academy, there is growing evidence that a reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is related to room sharing. Your baby’s room should also be free from passive smoke as secondhand smoke is associated with an increase risk of SIDS and other health issues.

4. Put your baby to sleep in a cool room. Your baby’s room should feel comfortable to a lightly clothed adult. Your baby should be dressed lightly for sleep and the room temperature for your baby’s room should be kept no higher than 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid overheating.

5. Put your baby to sleep in a safe position. Healthy babies should always be put to sleep on their backs. Since the Back to Sleep campaign was launched in 1994 by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the incidence of SIDS has dropped by more than 50%.

While there is no replacement for vigilant supervision and regularly checking on your sleeping baby, setting up a safe sleep environment can eliminate many known safety risks and can give you peace of mind knowing your baby has been put to sleep in the safest environment possible.

For more great parenting tips like this, join me, Lesa Day, for the FREE telesummit: HeartWise Approaches to Raising Great Kids starting January 3rd, 2012. I will be teaching my class, "Discipline is Not a Dirty Word" on Friday, January 20. I am thrilled to be joining 13 other inspiring presenters throughout the month of January. Sign up here to join this amazing event from the comfort of your home at HeartWiseParent.com to learn from 14 top parenting experts around the globe.

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December 30, 2011

Preparing Your Child for Change & Free Parenting Telesummit

Join 14 parenting experts at the FREE telesummit HeartWise Approaches to Raising Great Kids starting January 3rd, 2012. I am thrilled to be joining 13 other inspiring presenters throughout the month of January. Sign up here to join this amazing event from the comfort of your home at HeartWiseParent.com

Whether it is a major change like starting school or moving to a new home, or a smaller one, like hosting visitors or going on vacation, change can be tough.

Change is defined as a modification, variation or deviation from the norm. It’s a disruption of routine. For children who thrive on consistency, structure and routine, change can be quite difficult. Children tend to feel safe and secure when they understand what is expected and what will happen next. Throw a wrench into their anticipated plans and you’ve created a potential for chaos.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your child successfully handle change and even empower him to embrace it.

When change is coming….

1. Keep what you can consistent. A great general rule of thumb for helping children navigate change is to keep what you can consistent. If you can keep bedtimes and mealtimes consistent, you are ahead of the game and on track to minimize chaos. If your child is starting school, be sure to establish a firm morning and evening routine and a school drop off goodbye. Doing so will foster feelings of safety and security in your child.

2. Involve the children in age appropriate ways. When children feel involved in the process of change, they’re more likely to embrace it. If you are moving to a new home, encourage children to help pack their special things and to decorate their moving box. If they’re starting a school, allow them to help choose their school supplies or school clothes. If you’re having visitors, encourage them to make a welcome sign or to help bake cookies.

3. Breed familiarity with the new situation. If you are going on vacation, talk about where you are going, what you will be doing and show your children pictures and videos of the hotel, attractions and more. If they’ll be starting school, host a back to school party and invite classmates. Provide your children opportunities to connect with the people, places and things that they’ll be adjusting to.

4. Take one change at a time. While you can’t control the timing of everything, do what you can to limit life changing episodes. If you are moving to a new home, don’t adopt a new puppy or start potty training until well after you’ve settled into your new home and routine.

Children are resilient and will follow your lead when faced with change. If they watch you take on change with a positive attitude, chances are, they’ll have a positive attitude too.

Don't forget to sign up now! Join 14 parenting experts at the FREE telesummit HeartWise Approaches to Raising Great Kids starting January 3rd, 2012. I am thrilled to be joining 13 other inspiring presenters throughout the month of January. Sign up here to join this amazing event from the comfort of your home at HeartWiseParent.com

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December 29, 2011

It's a New Year! 7 Things You Can Do to Support Your Child in Education plus a FREE Telesummit You Don't Want to Miss!

As a parent you are your child’s first teacher and your home is her first classroom. From you, your child is given the first opportunities to experience and interact with her world. Through singing to your child, reading to your child, playing with your child and introducing her to the people, places and things around her, she experiences some of her first early learning moments.

As you your child gets older and begins her formal education, it may feel like you’ve been relieved of your teaching duties, but that simply isn’t the case. If you consider the time your child spends in the classroom, you’ll see that she still spends a good amount of time at home, with her first teacher in her first classroom.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support your child’s education. Never give up your role. Your role may change over the years, but it never ceases to be instrumental in your child’s educational success.

As your child grows, here are 7 ways you can continue to support his education.

1. Create an appropriate homework area. Set aside a special place designated for homework. Be sure it is well lit and stocked full of age appropriate supplies. Allow your child to help create his special space by getting him involved in choosing the location and the supplies.

2. Establish a set homework time. Some children do best when they tackle their homework right after school. Others needs a break and do better when they tackle it after playtime and a hearty, healthy snack. Once you know when your child’s ideal homework time is, schedule it in to your afterschool routine.

3. Be available to help, if needed. Let your child know you are able and willing to review instructions, check work and help, if needed, but resist the urge to take over and do his homework for him. Encourage your child to keep a homework assignment notebook so he can keep track of due and completed assignments.

4. Set expectations. It’s super important that you set the stage for homework success by sending the message that homework is not optional. Include homework time in your daily schedule and communicate that homework is a priority.

5. Be involved and stay involved. Take an active interest in your child’s education. Offer positive, purposeful praise for a job well done. Attend special events at school, praise your child for his dedication to completing assignments and communicate to your child that his education is something to be valued.

6. Capitalize on natural learning moments that reinforce learning. Sorting socks, helping out in the kitchen, reading road signs and writing thank you notes, for example, are all natural learning opportunities that reinforce educational concepts. Take advantage of all the natural learning moments that you can.

7. Instill a love of reading and learning. Read to and with your child often. Let him see you read. Make a point to take weekly trips to the library. Spend time browsing the bookshelves at your local bookstore. Take time to point out books on topics that may interest your child and commit to spending time reading them together.

While your role may change over the years, you are still your child’s most valuable resource. Foster his educational success by playing an active role in his schooling, encouraging a love for learning and by communicating the value of a solid education.

How do you support your child on his educational journey? Share your tips below.

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December 23, 2011

Importance of Connecting Over Dinner & a FREE telesummit for YOU!

We’ve heard for years that children who share regular meals with their families are less likely to engage in risky social behaviors, like drinking and drugging, do better in school and are generally, well, better kids.

Buy why?

Sharing a family meal together provides an opportunity for members of the family to reconnect. Regardless of how unpredictable each person’s day has been, there comes great comfort in knowing that you’ll be sharing a meal and spending time with those who genuinely care about you and how your day went. When families share dinner together, they have an opportunity to talk and share about what is on their minds.

Sharing a family meal boosts self-esteem.

During the stressful years of childhood, knowing that you have something you can count each day fosters feelings of safety, security and self-worth. Knowing that your parents are setting aside time to spend with you communicates a powerful message to a child that says you are important, loved and valued. This is especially true in today’s busy world where we are constantly connected to technology.

Family dinners open the door to complex conversations.

Children who share meals with their families are exposed to conversations they may not otherwise take part in. They learn words, social skills and language words they may not otherwise learn. Children who share conversations over family dinner experience a boost in language development and social skills.

Family dinner provide an opportunity to establish healthy eating habits.

Obesity among children is running ramped. When families eat together there is an opportunity to share healthy meals, appropriately sized portions and positive attitudes about food. Children who eat with their families are more likely to eat fruit, vegetables and whole grains and are less likely to develop eating disorders.

It’s no secret that making regular family dinners take planning and preparation. To give your family a shot at having regular family meals together:

1. Keep the menu simple. Remember the focus isn’t so much on what you are eating, but that you are eating it together.

2. Plan and prepare your meals in advance. Do your grocery shopping on the weekend and know what you’ll be serving up. Do as much prep work as you can the evening before.

3. Get everyone involved. Have younger children set the table and older children clean up. Make family dinner a complete family experience by getting everyone involved.

How often does your family eat dinner together? Why do you think it’s important? What steps do you take to make sure it happens? Share your responses in the comments below.

For more great parenting tips like this, join me, Lesa Day, for the FREE telesummit HeartWise Approaches to Raising Great Kids starting January 3rd, 2012. I will be teaching my class, "Discipline is Not a Dirty Word" on Friday, January 20.

I am thrilled to be joining 13 other inspiring presenters throughout the month of January. Sign up here to join this amazing event from the comfort of your home at HeartWiseParent.com

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December 19, 2011

My Hallmark Moment with Dad this Christmas

As I travel and work with families I try my best to always remind parents to consider the legacy they are leaving behind for their child. One of the niche areas I am called upon by other colleagues to teach about is character building. I believe if you build healthy, confident self-esteem in your child it is the greatest gift you can give them. I know it's not easy. It's takes consistency and discipline. It requires accountability at each level of maturity. It may seem at times like you're climbing the biggest mountain of your lifetime, but when you reach the top and you see the horizon, oh it is wonderful! Imagine the character of honesty, integrity, compassion, and self-discipline your daughter carries with her as she moves forward into adulthood?

My Dad was tough on me at times as a child. He pushed me to the next level. Always challenged me to go the extra mile. Today, I can appreciate those principles he instilled in me probably more than he realizes. As an example my Dad requires the same of himself as he did of me. He takes great pride in his work and isn't satisfied until he feels it's done "just right".

As I opened my Christmas card this year from my Dad it truly was a Hallmark moment. I cried tears of gratitude. The card read...

Daughter,

There are many gifts

that I wish for you at Christmas.

I'd like to give you the gift of happiness,

but the path that leads you there is one

you have to find on your own.

I'd like to give you the gift of wisdom,

but that's something only years of

experience can bring.

I'd like to give you the gift of success,

but that's something

that only has true value

if it's earned.

But there's one gift

I can give you this Christmas

that will always be with you --

and that's the love

of a proud parents heart.

Merry Christmas

Love,

Dad

I might not have understood everything he was teaching me way back when. There were times when I walked away crying like any daughter does with her Dad. There were times when I screamed at him, "you just don't get it." But now because of who he is and the relationship we have I can appreciate all those vital principles he's taught me that's played a big part of who I am today. Thank you Papa for your constant love and support and especially for instilling good character.

As a parent you might be feeling overwhelmed or frustrated during this time when dealing with a specific up hill battle. I urge you to keep persevering. Take that next step to keep consistency. Keep setting the example of integrity. Stand firm on what's right even when experiencing rebellion, but do it with LOVE. Wrap your arms around your child, tell them you love them, and remain steadfast in accountability. In doing so your legacy will be tremendous!

No matter how hard it seemed to me as a child as I was growing and maturing I always knew my Dad loved me and was dedicated to his children. He had my best interest at heart and showed it by his investment of time with me as I grew. As we celebrate Christmas and start a new year I hope you gain a stronger more loving, connection with your child that leaves a lasting legacy.

Posted at 03:23 PM in children, Coaching, Communication, Dad, Family, kids, Mom, Parenting, Raising Children | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

November 01, 2011

Pre -Teen Shows Geat Leadership to Stop Bullying & Marlo Thomas

I had a lengthy conversation with a Mom today about her son being bullied in school. Mary's son, John is in middle school, very smart, and I would consider him extremely mature for his age. I give high fives to Mary for the way she handled the situation and allowed her son to be a leader and take the action steps himself to stop the bullying.

So often as a parent you immediately start to take action steps to protect your child. There are times when this is necessary, but if you can help your son or daughter handle the issue themselves it prepares them to deal with the tough issues they are going to eventually have to handle out in the world anyway.

In this case John was being bullied daily by another boy calling him names and challenging him to fight. John started by ignoring him. The bullying didn't stop. This continued on for a couple of weeks and finally John had hit his limit of tolerance. John went to his teacher and told her what was happening, but didn't want her to do anything about it right now. He said he would try and handle the situation himself he just wanted her to be aware of it. That day as the bully started antagonizing John he asked him what it would take for him to stop? The bully challenged him to fight. John asked him what the end result would be if he won? The bully told him if John won he wouldn't bother him anymore. If the bully won he would continue to bully him the rest of the year. There was a birthday event they were both invited to the next day. John told him he would fight if that's what it is going to take for the bullying to stop. They planned the fight the next day before the birthday party since the boy lived next door where the party was being held.

When John got home that afternoon from school he told his Mom all the details of what's been happening and what he has chosen to do to stop the bullying. Mary's first instinct is to stop a fight from happening, but instead of saying much she asked a lot of questions to determine how much John had thought this through. Not only does Mary have a lengthy discussion with him but John'sgrandparents did as well. In the end they were willing to stand by his decision to handle the situation. Many times this takes alot of self-control for a parent to step back and let a child take the lead. But watch what happens...

John arrives at the birthday party to celebrate with his friend and there's no sign of the bully. Some time goes by and there's still a no show. John decides he's still going to tackle this issue and wants to go next door and talk with him. His mom gives him permission to do so but is adamant that John be polite when greeting whoever may answer the door. John knocks on the door and the boy's mom answers. John introduces himself and politely explains to her why he's there to see her son. The boy who's been bullying him was standing by when John arrived but as he explains to the mother what's been happening he ran away to another part of the home. The mother was absolutely shocked to hear this and assured John he wouldn't have to worry about it happening again. She admitted that there were some problems they were dealing with but was very sorry to hear this had been happening. John thanked her for listening and left to go back to the party. Mary had witnessed the entire interaction between John and the boy's Mom. She believed the mother's shock factor was sincere.

As you digest each of the interactions that have occurred in this scenario consider the amazing traits of John's character that can be recognized in this situation. There is...

Confidence: John had enough confidence to decide he didn't deserve to be bullied and chose to confront the issue.
Leadership: John handled the situation as a great leader. He attempted to talk and reason with the boy who was bullying him several times.
Communication: John effectively communicated with the boy and the adults who would need to be concerned about the situation, his Mom, his teacher, and the boy's Mom.
Integrity: John stood for what was right and followed through on his word.

Your child grows and matures in phenomenal ways as he learns how to effectively deal with these issues. As hard as it might be for you as a parent to hold back to not step in, fix the problem and protect your child you must accept these are real issues being witnessed and/or experienced everyday. The more you allow them to do take this kind of leadership the greater their confidence and ability to work with others grows and matures.

What actions steps can you take to insure your awareness and support your child...

Keep the lines of communication open so your child feels safe to tell you anything.
Listen! Truly and sincerely listen to them when he/she chooses to be vulnerable to share what's happening and wants your understanding.
Help them problem solve about the situation.
Continue to reinforce your love and support for them.

Communication is a critical aspect of a parent and child relationship when dealing with this issue of bullying. Marlo Thomas is beginning a campaign that will assist parents to better communicate about this issue. Read more about it here: Marlo Thomas' Anti-Bullying Campaign .

Posted at 11:28 AM in Bullying, children, Communication, Current Affairs, Dad, Family, kids, Mom, Parenting, Raising Children | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

June 09, 2011

Day 2 of the Virtual Book Tour - Read an Excerpt, First 25 Buyers Receive a Free Book!

Today I have the great pleasure of being the host on Day 2 of the Virtual Book Tour for the new E-Book Parenting Responsively for Connection. Written by ACPI Parenting Coaches for parents to deal with the most difficult task of maintaining connection with the growing child whose behavior changes and shifts.

Click Here to Order Now! First 25 buyers get a free copy of my book, "How to Get Your Child to Say, Yes! I Can! & I Will!

Yesterday, the book tour kicked off at http://HeartwiseParent.com/blog. Visit now if you haven’t had the opportunity to meet all the authors. Enjoy this book excerpt:

Embracing Accidental Routines (© 2011 by Kareen Hannon)

A couple of years ago I figured out

that I really needed a place to write

notes that wouldn’t accidently get

thrown away. I decided that putting

up a white board in my office would

be the perfect solution. I went

all out. I bought vibrant colored dry

erase markers and an eraser.

Brilliant!

Two seconds after my board was up on the wall my sons found it. My clean white

board was instantly filled with stick figures running, dogs jumping and super

space machines flying through the sky. When they were done and had finished

leaving their marks on my board, I picked up the eraser and swiped them away

without giving it a second thought. Then I noticed at the very bottom of the

board in messy handwriting, were the words, “I love Mom.” I stopped my arm

from completing the last swipe and instead of erasing those precious words, I

picked up a vibrant blue marker and made a protective “Do not remove” circle

around them. Those words made me smile. I then picked up the red marker and

wrote in the upper right-hand corner of my board, “I love Hayden and Eric!”

Day after day our messages to each other became more ornate and quickly filled

up the board. Not wanting to erase any of my messages, I decided to take a

picture of the board - and a new routine was born. We all became more and

more creative as time went by with our messages:

“Mom rocks!”

“You did great on your test today, Eric!”

“I am so proud of you guys!”

“Mom is the best!”

“We need mayonnaise, Mom!”

Our whiteboard naturally provided a place where we could say anything to each

other. I loved seeing how we could connect to each other through our messages

and how excited the boys seemed about leaving me notes or pictures. Sometimes

stories were told and read out loud. Other times comic strips emerged, telling

stories of saving the planet or catching criminals.

One day after a particularly rough morning, after the school bus had come and

goodbyes had been said, I returned to my office and saw “I am very angry at you

Mom” on our whiteboard. I thought about those words. I thought about our

morning. I had yelled at Hayden to get dressed as he was running late. When he

did not move fast enough I yelled again. “Hayden, let’s go! The bus is going to be

here any minute!” It was an awful way to start the day for him and for me. I

chose a marker and wrote next to his statement, “Can we talk about it?”

Later that day when he had come home from school and had settled in, he came

to me and said, “You want to talk about it?” Gesturing for him to come and sit

down at the table with me, we talked about the morning and I asked him how

he felt. He explained that he felt rushed and that I had been snotty and had hurt

his feelings. He explained those things had made him angry. I agreed with his

assessment of our morning and explained to him that I had felt anxious that he

might miss the bus. I went on to explain that I needed him to stay on schedule

so that he would remain on time. After talking about our feelings we were able

to come up with the idea to set his alarm clock (and mine) ten minutes earlier

the next morning. I also suggested that he write his schedule on a piece of

paper so that he could tape it onto the refrigerator. I offered to help him break

down his schedule into easy-to-follow steps. Soon we had a real plan. We would

both get up a little earlier and he would be in charge of his own schedule. If he

got behind, I could then offer suggestions and pitch in to make his lunch or

provide loving reminders of time and what needed to be done next.

This incident made me truly see that our whiteboard had accidently become a

very powerful tool for our family. Hayden had felt safe enough to share his angry

feelings with me, which in turn gave me an opportunity to develop a plan to

make our lives easier. I was so grateful we were able to create a solution together.

Our thoughts and our feelings were communicated, respected, shared and

honored.

As time went on we filled up the board with messages and pictures that we

cherished. I would take a picture of the board so we could save them forever.

After some time, we decided to make a slide show of our pictures and put them

on a DVD. We were able to see month’s worth of pictures and notes that we had

created together on our television screen.

We hosted a premiere party to watch our DVD and made quite a night of it. We

invited family and friends to come watch our “movie” with us. We made

popcorn, turned the lights off and watched it together. Laughing and pointing,

recounting stories and feelings, we celebrated ourselves! It felt wonderful to

spend that time with my children and to see the looks of pride on their faces as

they watched notes and drawings flash across the screen. Together they had

created a digital scrapbook of their own work.

The next day I saw “Thank you Mom” on the board and smiled to myself. What I

had originally planned to use exclusively for business turned out to be a creative

way to make and preserve a lifelong memory. It also provided a daily way for us

to stay connected. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Be sure to follow the Virtual Book Tour tomorrow when the next stop is the blog North Texas Kids with Dr Minette Riordan

Click Here to Order Now! First 25 buyers get a free copy of my book, "How to Get Your Child to Say, Yes! I Can! & I Will!

Please share your comments and thoughts below. I love reading your

feedback. We appreciate the retweets and sharing on Facebook and LinkedIn to

spread the word.

Posted at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

June 08, 2011

The New E-book, Parenting Responsively for Connection is Available!

Every parent has challenges.

Finding solutions is the key!

Whether your challenge is:

Disciplining your child effectively
Carving out time for yourself
Parenting a child with special needs
Academic strategies for a successful school year
Connecting with your strong-willed child
Potty training

Parenting Responsively for Connection bring you trusted solutions from the most sought after professional parenting coaches in the world. A collaboration of parenting coaches who are passionate about making a difference. Parenting Responsively provides trusted insight into the most common challenges facing today's parents.

Posted at 12:21 PM in Books, children, Coaching, Communication, Current Affairs, Dad, Family, kids, Mom, Parenting, Raising Children | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

January 09, 2011

I Give a NJ Transit Worker High Fives for Looking Out for Our Children

I had the pleasure of attending a Broadway show this weekend. Great time in NYC! I traveled by way of the NJ Transit to get into Penn Station. On my way home the train was filled due to it being an express train. About 10 minutes into the ride a man makes an announcement for all passengers to hear...

"Ladies and gentleman, as you may have noticed there are quite a few children on the train tonight and it has come to my attention that some passengers are using inappropriate and foul language around these kids. I would like you to consider what would be best if they were your own children and to be sensitive to those around you in using common courtesy. Thank you!"

How cool it that?! I had never heard such an announcement when commuting on a train. Nice to see someone stand up and speak out for our kids. We all have a voice, let's use it for those who are following our example.

Posted at 01:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)