Introduction to Parenting Advice

If you have ever been frustrated by your attempts to change or improve your toddler or child's behaviors, this introductory video will demonstrate how I can help.

It explains my approach to parent training and leads you to other resources you can access to find out how to improve your parenting skills.

Learn how to set limits or expectations. Tame temper tantrums, stop whining, sibling rivalry and much, much more.




KidsAndKaos.com

Friday, July 31, 2009

Video 1: Whining and Interrupting

Put an end to your child's annoying behaviors - stop the whining and interrupting forever! This brief video will explain how you can take control as a parent, with an easy-to-follow 3-step technique.


KidsAndKaos.com

Video 2: Sibling Rivalry

Do your kids fight constantly? Does their bickering and tattling drive you crazy? Well, you're not alone.

By learning how to follow the simple 3-step technique in this video, you will restore a sense of peace and calm to your home!



KidsAndKaos.com

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Video 3: Temper Tantrums

Nearly all young children have temper tantrums at one time or another, but how can you help them calm down?

Follow the 3 simple steps outlined in this video and you will have a useful tool in your parenting toolbox!



KidsAndKaos.com

Video 4: Time Out

Do you get frustrated that you can't get your child to stop losing it?

Are your efforts at calming him down effective?

If not, would you like to learn about a Time Out that works?
Every time?

Well, here is the answer - this video describes a version of
Time Out that works because it is so simple.

Try it and see for yourself!



KidsAndKaos.com

Video 5: Tidying Up

Every parent's plea:

"How can I get my children to tidy up?"

Do you feel overwhelmed with the amount of stuff your kids leave around the house?

The technique described in this video will kill 2 birds with one stone you will learn how to successfully get your child to tidy up, and you will be able to reduce the amount of clutter at the same time.



Sunday, July 26, 2009

Setting Limits with Time Out

Most of us parents have heard that it makes sense to set limits with children, and although we may want to do that, what does it actually mean and how do we do it?
Why do kids need limits? Is it just for our convenience? Sometimes it is, but more than that, it gives kids the structure they need. By being clear about what we would like them to do, or not do, is one very effective way of providing such structure. It also clearly outlines their boundaries, keeping them safe, and letting them know what they can and can’t do.
So how do we set limits?
1. Decide which particular behavior you will no longer want.
2. When he is in his regular mood (and not doing the unwanted behavior), tell him simply and clearly what your plan is: every time/next time you (fill in the blank here) I’ll put you in time out until you’ve calmed down. Keep your voice neutral, not in any way angry or threatening. Answer any he may have, but don’t get drawn into negotiations.
3. When he does the unwanted behavior, don’t give any warnings, just remind him of what you told him, and put him in time out until he calms down. When he is in timeout, it’s important not to give him any attention, but keep an eye or ear on him. Ignore any whining and if he gets out, put him back until he stays there until he’s calm. If you have to say something, say the same thing every time and that he can come out when he’s calm.
4. When he’s been calm for a very short time – don’t leave him in time out when he’s accomplished that, it’ll make him more frustrated – let him out and acknowledge the fact that he calmed down. He was told to go to time out to calm down, and that’s what he did, so that’s what he gets praised for. That’s the behavior you want to reinforce, so don’t talk about what got him there and reinforce the wrong behavior.
5. When you set a limit, be prepared for your child to test you, to see if you’re serious. That’s normal. When or if he does, consistently follow through and he’ll stop testing.

Check out my video (below) on Time Out - it'll give you more detail and you can watch it any time. Good luck!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Potty training - who's training who?

You think your toddler is ready to start using the potty because she shows a lot of interest and curiosity in all things bathroom-related, especially flushing valuable items down the toilet! Now's the time to give it a try. Here are some preparation tips:
  1. Put the potty where she can easily get to it
  2. Up the excitement for her (and buy-in) by getting big girl undies she likes
  3. If she has a favorite doll, prepare the doll for potty training too
  4. Clear your schedule as much as you can for a few days - you'll need to stay as near to home as possible. If you do need to go anywhere, take plenty of spare clothes

Now you're ready to start. Things may go in one of several directions:

  1. After a few days of accidents, she'll pretty much get the hang of it and daytime diapers will become history. It may be a while before she's ready to go through the night. You can try when she has dry diapers in the morning for a week or so. This is the best outcome, but not the most common.
  2. She wants to stop wearing diapers but has multiple accidents and doesn't seem to be getting the hang of it. See if she'll wear pullups or make sure she sits on the potty every half hour or hour, preferrably waiting until she does something and connects the feeling of doing that with sitting on the potty. More of a tedious and time-consuming approach, but one that works very well.
  3. She loses interest and nothing you do or say persuades her to keep trying. Back off and take her lead - pushing her will only make it a negative experience and it might be a while before she feels ready to try again. The less of a big deal you make of it, the sooner she'll revisit the idea.

I'm sure you already know this, but remember to reward all her efforts, not just her accomplishments. Good luck!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Give kids time, they'll give you good behavior.

There are days during the summer months when all parents wish their kids were back in school. No - doesn't make you a bad parent - just human. More likely your wish was brought on because you had a day where things didn't go well and a combination of your mood and your kids' behaviors got to you more than usual.

Spending time with your kids can actually have surprisingly positive results. I'm not talking about the time you spend running them around, feeding them, chasing after them to clean up etc., etc. - your kids probably take that as business as usual. No, I mean time that really focuses on them and their interests, showing curiosity towards what they like to do, and making sure that time isn't interrupted by such things as phone calls or work issues.

Here are some things to remember when contemplating how to spend the time:
  1. Plan to spend time with them ONLY when you can be sure to give them your undivided attention, when your mood is likely to be relaxed (not stressed), and when necessities have been taken care of.
  2. Get your "stuff" together beforehand - things like craft materials, activity items, whatever you think you'll need to use when you're engaging with your kids.
  3. Do it when they are well rested and fed - both you and they will get the most out of it.
  4. Plan a short time at first if this is new to them. It's best to build up from about 10 minutes to whatever you feel prepared to do. Don't go overboard - shorter and more frequent is easier than rarely and lengthy.
  5. Switch it up - sometimes do quiet, calming activities with them - read to them, create stories with them and, if they're too young to do it themselves - write them down for them and then let them illustrate their stories. You can actually build quite a library this way and you'll engage them in a love of reading and writing (and sitting quietly!) from a very young age.
  6. Sometimes make the time more active and burn off some of that ever-present energy.
  7. Remember kids love to play, so making any activity into a game is a sure winner - especially a game they get to suggest or create.
  8. Kids love to teach (it's actually a great way for you to teach them something, only they don't know it!), so take every opportunity to ask them to show you how to do something. It will improve their creativity and their self esteem.
  9. Let them know when the time is over for today, reassure them it will happen again tomorrow, and ask them to think about how they would like to spend the time with you then.
  10. Keep track of the types of activities they seem to enjoy mosand stash them in a jar or a box so when you - or they - run out of ideas, you can check in the box and pick out a surprise activity.

When the time is over, reward yourself with a big pat on the back. You'll be amazed how much good feeling you will feel - and so will they!

Remember: TIME WITH YOU = GOOD BEHAVIOR IN RETURN!!