What’s your Style? As part of my work, I am constantly looking for books and resources that will enhance my knowledge in the area of child development, parenting, etc. Over the holidays, one of the books I read was Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman. This is definitely a book I would recommend […]
Styles of Parenting & Teaching Children Read More »
I often run into parents who feel that there is a stigma attached to attending a parent workshop. The thought is that you only attend a parenting class if your kids are out of control or if you are an incompetent parent. This is puzzling in light of the fact that parenting is the most
Why Take a Parenting Class? Why Positive Discipline? Read More »
With the start of the school year, comes more organized activities and less time to spend together as a family. A great way to keep up with everyone’s schedules and create some “family” time is to hold family meetings. Regular family meetings provide the opportunity for planning, problem solving, job sharing as well as family
The Joy of Family Meetings Read More »
Understand that you may need to teach your child many things over and over before he/she is developmentally ready to understand. Be patient. Minimize your words and maximize your actions. Don’t take your child’s behaviour personally and think your child is mad at you or bad or defiant. Remain the adult in the situation and
When do Kids “Know” the Meaning of “No” (Con’t) Read More »
Children under the age of three do not understand “no” in the way many parents think they do. And, a full understanding of “no” doesn’t occur magically when the child turns three. It is a developmental process. “No” is an abstract concept that is in direct opposition to the developmental need of young children to
When do Kids “Know” the Meaning of “No”? Read More »
Creating a Positive Time Out area doesn’t have to be complicated. Before it is needed and when everyone feels calm, explain to your child that we all have times when we lose control of our behaviour, feel upset, or find ourselves in a bad mood. This does not mean that we are bad; it just
Creating a Positive Time Out with your Child Read More »
“Where did we get the crazy idea that in order to make children do better, we have to make them feel worse?” Dr. Jane Nelsen How would you respond if your boss or a colleague reprimanded you by saying, “Go to your room and think about what you just did!”? Most of us would laugh and
Why Positive Time Out for Kids? Read More »
“My child refuses to cooperate.” “He/she is so strong willed and disobedient”. These are common concerns expressed by parents. Unfortunately, many parents escalate the problem because they feel they have to “win”. All too often, parents allow themselves to get drawn into power struggles and the more they try to force their will, the more the
Dealing with Defiant Children Read More »
With the start of the new school year, comes the classic “morning rush”. How does everybody get out the door on time in the morning without leaving a wake of mess and emotional stress? Routine charts are one of the most effective parenting tools when it comes to any sort of daily routine. If you’re familiar
Back to School with Routine Charts Read More »
Rudolf Dreikurs taught the importance of being both kind and firm in our relations with children. Kindness is important in order to show respect for the child. Firmness is important in order to show respect for ourselves and for the needs of the situation. Authoritarian methods usually lack kindness. Permissive methods lack firmness. Kindness and
I Love You and the Answer is “No” Read More »
Ruth Buffam
Certified Positive Discipline Educator & Trainer
Positive Discipline Solutions Canada