http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com Because the toughest job doesn't come with a handbook. Mon, 19 May 2008 16:29:20 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The time of year is here......graduation.  For many parents, this brings about a myriad of emotions, happiness, joy, pride, relief and sadness.  It is a bittersweet time when many teens make the transition to "adult" and move out and away from home.  Some parents will find themselves with an empty ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/05/19/on-graduation-and-launching/ It is never too early to start teaching your children how to set goals.  Goals give us something to work towards, they provide a destination and we have the opportunity to develop the map to get there.  Setting both short and long term goals helps us feel like we are accomplishing dreams and ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/goal-setting-with-your-children/ ·                    Before summer begins, remind your children about safety in talking to strangers and adults that are not well known to them.  "Stranger Danger" should be discussed throughout childhood AND adolescence.  The facts:  1 in 5 girls will be molested before their 18th birthday, 1 in 6 boys.  90% of ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/how-to-have-a-safe-and-fun-summer-with-your-teen/ I often get the question, "when is it okay to ignore my child?"  Let's get one thing clear:  it is never okay to ignore your child....however, it is okay to ignore their behaviors. That being said, ignoring certain behaviors a child may exhibit, such as:  yelling, screaming, name-calling or whining may help ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/03/22/the-art-of-ignoring/ I had a conversation with a friend the other day as we were out for dinner without her children and spouse.   As she arrived at the restaurant, she emphatically exclaimed, "I'm so glad my husband agreed to watch the kids."  What?!  Say that again?  You have to ask your husband to ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/03/06/babysitter-or-parent/ In a nutshell, grief is a normal life process. At some point in our lives, each of us faces the loss of someone or something dear to us.  Children and adolescents often face the death of a grandparent, neighbor, friend or parent.  Even extreme disappointment can cause grief.   Divorce is also ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/what-is-grief/ The other night I went to the grocery store after work.  As I was contemplating vegetables in the frozen food aisle, a cart was coming towards me as a young  father in his early twenties pushed a boy, about the age of three.  The toddler was crying, saying "no" over ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/5/ Are you in the process of divorcing?  Consider the following Do's for parenting: Continue reassuring your children that they can still count on both parents.  Both parents being involved in a child's life is important. Try not to cancel plans with your children.  Your scheduled time with children should be priority. Establish a ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/02/22/dos-for-divorcing-parents/ Welcome the Parenting Coach blog.  My goal is to help educate and give useful parenting tips and tools for those parents living together, and those who are striving to co-parent after a divorce.   Parenting is undoubtedly the most rewarding, yet challenging role you will have in your lifetime.  Hopefully this ... http://parentingcoach.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/hello-world/