Parenting

Child discipline is tricky business: as there is a wide range of strategies and techniques that can (or actually can’t) get the job done. So which one’s do get the job done? According to science, the authoritative parenting style proves the most effective; this involves encouragement and clear communication. Another…

By this point, Morgan’s used to being pushed around—literally and figuratively. Her boyfriend, Jon, who used to treat her with the utmost love and respect, became abusive about 2 years into their relationship. It started with words: demeaning, condescending, cruel words. Then it turned into a little nudge here and…

Parents dread the temper tantrums their children throw, but there are proactive steps they can take to prevent them from happening in the first place. First, set expectations: make the rules and boundaries known. For example, before going into the grocery store, explain to your child that you’re only getting…

The teen years are characterized by “rebellion,” which can make this stage tough on teens and parents. Fortunately, parents can take action to make these years a little easier on themselves and their teen—and it all starts with accepting rebellion as necessary to their growth and development. Parents should also…

Teenhood is characterized by awkward, confusing changes that can make or break one’s mental health. A key to thriving during this time is understanding self-esteem and self-awareness and taking the necessary steps to develop a healthy degree of both. Parents can help their kid do so by first praising their…

The teen years are characterized by developmental changes—both physical and mental—that can make this time difficult for teens and parents. Fortunately, parents can make this time a little easier on everybody by parenting their teens with love and logic, according to mental health professionals. Parents should maintain open and honest…

Research shows that there are a few keys to good parenting: encouragement, limit-setting, monitoring and supervision, problem-solving, and positive involvement. Encouragement is all about showing your child positive attention, so as to encourage good behavior. Limit-setting involves setting clear rules as well as clear guidelines for discipline if those rules…

You can set your child up for success by teaching them how to live a happy, healthy life and equipping them with beneficial tools. One parenting technique that can help you accomplish this mission is simply being honest with yourself—are you being the supportive parent or the pushy parent? Practicing…

Positive parenting is a loving and gentle approach to parenting that helps to foster healthy relationships between parent and child. There are a handful of skills that parents can practice to accomplish positive parenting, of which includes validation, balance, listening, and support. Validation involves accepting your child’s feelings as they…

Researchers sort parents into four common parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved, and authoritative. Authoritarian parents are viewed as disciplinarians, as they make strict rules and offer no wiggle room. Permissive parents, on the other hand, create and enforce little to no rules; they treat their kids more like friends. Uninvolved…

Expecting parents often have conflicting emotions, and that’s okay—but you can take action to better prepare for parenthood and make this time more enjoyable. First, you should throw all of your expectations out the window and open yourself to whatever comes your way. Some additional tips include maintaining an honest…

Ask any kid whether their parents are overprotective, and they’ll probably say yes. Whether or not their parents are actually overprotective, however, cannot likely be determined from their child’s testimony—as it’s innate for children and teens to think their parents are a little too controlling or strict. Take for example,…