Tip from Marilyn:
You will be a better parent if you…
Use action, not words. Don’t nag about picking up dirty clothes, just don’t wash them!
Give children the RIGHT way to feel powerful: Ask their advice. Give them choices. Let them help.
Use natural consequences: “You forgot your homework? Too bad. I hope you can work out something. See you tonight!”
Use logical consequences: “You didn’t mean to break it, but you’ll need to pay for it out of your allowance. Or what could you give up?”
Reference:
“Parent Power: Making it Happen For Your Children” complied by Marilyn Love was printed in 1997. Marilyn gives deep appreciation to the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, where she was given the opportunity to complete this project at the Teacher-Scholars-in-Residence program.