I subscribe to a newsletter that I receive once a week from an organization called Love and Logic.  I receive some very helpful hints from them and wanted to share the following note that I recently received from them.  I hope you will enjoy!

“Many adults have early success finding limits they can back up - and setting them using fewer words.

For example, we can lecture our 2 year old for 10 minutes about throwing food - or we can take the food away. We can lecture our teen about leaving the car with no gas - or we can take the keys.

Words mean less. Actions mean more.

Instead of fighting with kids about homework or chores, some parents find enforceable statements such as, "I drive kids to _______ when chores and homework are done."

When their kids start to argue, these parents don't get hooked. Instead, without giving in, they calmly repeat a phrase such as, "I like you too much to argue." Another favorite phrase is, "What did I say?"

In many new Love and Logic homes, it sounds like this:

Kid: "Mom, it's time to take me to the mall."

Mom: "I drive kids to the mall when chores and homework are done."

Kid: "But we need to go now! My friends are already there."

Mom: "I drive kids to the mall when chores and homework are done."

Kid: "But that's not fair!"

Mom: "What did I say?"

Kid: "You don't understand! I’ll miss everything!"

Mom: "What did I say?"

Kid: "You're trying to ruin my life!"

Mom: "What did I say?"

The ultimate key to success is taking it slow and experimenting with just one skill at a time.

Thanks for reading. Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.”

Character Counts!

Each six weeks, we cover a different aspect of character.  This year, we have covered such things as Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Respect, and Fairness.  This six weeks we are covering Caring.  A caring person is charitable, in other words a caring person helps those in need of help. A caring person also shows concern for other people.  In this day and age, there are many examples of NOT caring about others, but it is important to point out the many examples of people caring for others that do happen all around us.  Let’s focus on Caring for others and encourage our children to care for others in their everyday lives.  Thank you for all that you do!