There are three methods of conflict resolution. The first method, and the one employed by most parents, involves the parent winning the conflict while the child loses. Relationships are symbiotic. When one half loses, the entire relationship loses. Parents may have won the fight, but they are losing in both the short and long-term. When... Continue Reading →
conflict (part 1)…
Conflict is a matter of life. However, conflict is not by definition negative. Conflict can be a catalyst for much needed change. It can bring about learning. It can bring us closer together. Conflict, in and of itself, is unavoidable. How we handle conflict is what matters.
five-headed dragon…
Mythology is a popular topic at our house. Here is my 7 1/2 year old's rendition of a five-headed dragon: Notice the orange things in the ground. Those are worms for the dragon to eat. Apparently the dragon likes to roast them with his firey breath and eat them with barbecue sauce. There was an impromptu poem... Continue Reading →
you’re loveable to me…
It had been a big day. It had been a hard night. Many parents can identify with the opening pages of Kat Yeh's book, You're Lovable to Me. Long nights and sometimes longer days can often leave parents tired and cranky. However, it's important that we continue to show our children that no matter what, we love... Continue Reading →
strawberry shortcake…
Strawberry shortcake - one of summer's joys. We made vanilla pound cake, adding just enough lemon to give it some zing, It isn't quite as nice with strawberries as hot milk sponge cake, but it definitely works in a pinch. Even my husband, who grew up with Bisquick biscuits for strawberry shortcake, enjoyed the pound cake.... Continue Reading →
why we shouldn’t reason with our kids…
I completely support giving kids reasons for why we believe things and do things. My own children are quite inquisitive and want to understand the reasons for things. However, reasons (noun) are not the same as reasoning (verb). When we reason with someone, it is with the express intent to convince them that our position... Continue Reading →
compromise…
The concept of compromise sounds great on the surface. No one is getting their way. The word would almost have you believe that since neither party involved is getting exactly what they want, both parties are working together, therefore creating a win/win situation. And, that is the point at which you would be wrong. It's... Continue Reading →
vanilla extract…
Making our own vanilla extract has been on our to do list for quite a while. Last month I realized that if we were going to make homemade vanilla in time to give some away as gifts, we needed to get started. I ordered our vanilla beans and amber bottles through a Frontier coop. With... Continue Reading →
a positive focus…
Focusing on negativity yields more negativity. There is nothing that brings a party down more than a negative person. When we focus on negative aspects of our children's behavior, it keeps the focus on negativity. If we, instead, focus on positive solutions, parents and children can work together to find ways to solve problems.
discipline is a journey…
Discipline is not a technique to be applied to others. Discipline is a life-long journey of self-discipline, discovery, and learning.
living peacefully with children 