Parenting Blog

"When we demonstrate love and respect, that's what we get back. Love and respect are automatic when you say what you see." -- Sandra R. Blackard

1. How can I get my kid to behave?
2. How can I build a close relationship with my child?
3. How can I insure my kid will have good self-esteem?
4. How can I increase my child's intelligence?
5. How can I teach my kids to get along with each other and solve their own problems?

Want to know a parenting strategy that works for ALL of these questions?  Say what you see.  As in,

"I see you're choosing to do your homework right away before you play. "
"Oooh.  The water is cold on your feet!"
"You're using lots of blue that painting."
"You have been working for a long time on that."
"Wow! You pushed the button and the light came on!"
"You are crying so hard."
"You sure made Michael happy when you gave him a turn with the truck."
"Two kids want the seat.  Hmm.  Must be something you can do to work that out."

Why does this simple strategy work?  Our child feels seen, heard, understood, recognized, empowered, valued.  Positive choices are rewarded with attention. We connect.  Sometimes, that's all it takes.