Your Parenting Matters

Make a list of Summer House Rules to keep your family 'cool' this summer!

More about: Summer House Rules

These days families where both parents work are the majority. When there isn't a parent at home, summer vacation can put a real stress on the family. Even if your children are old enough to stay home alone, they still need structure and someone to look in on them.

More about: Tips for a Successful Summer Vacation

Parenting preteens and teens brings new challenges and the tactics you have grown used to don't work anymore. The days of TV show distractions and sending kids to their rooms are not effective. A new strategy needs to be put in place to continue to effectively enforce discipline. There are some similarities to parenting a toddler. Teens still do respond to structure and routine. They do well with clear guidelines and limited choices. They want to make their own choices, but still need some help from you. Above all they are anxious to show their independence. This is where the idea of creating a contract with your teen may be effective in getting the behaviors you want while allowing them to have some control with what they agree to. At school there are many contracts that are used for athletic, homework or internet that need to be signed and agreed to. ...

More about: Creating Behavior Contracts for Teens

Parenting is a tough job and it's easy to get overwhelmed. There are pressures from society and constantly changing theories about child rearing that have caused a lot of stress and anxiety for parents. However, there are several misguided notions about the good and bad of parenting which we will clear up so that parents can feel confident and be able to enjoy their kids. Parenting is always stressful and chaotic The media has really pushed this message with television shows like Nanny 911, movies and magazines depicting parenting as overwhelming and exhausting. Many of you buy into this message and become one of these busy, stressed out parents yourselves! It doesn't have to be this way and all you need are the tools to live a more slow and routine-based live with your families. When you have these resources you can create a magical and peaceful life with your family. Reading ...

More about: Do You Believe These Parenting Myths?

Going to college is a big deal not just for the kids but for the parents too. There are so many things to consider before they actually go away and finances are an important thing to tackle before they leave home. Kids need to learn to manage their money and the earlier the better. It's a good idea to use the summer before going off to school as a way to train your college bound child how to handle money. Getting a summer job and managing the money made is one way. If that isn't a possibility discuss a budget for the summer and have your teen manage that sum throughout the summer so he/she gets the valuable experience of staying solvent. That way while at home, you can be there for help and guidance. There are great tools online for teaching money management. Money Savvy Generation is just one of ...

More about: Have a Child Headed for College?