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It happens about once per week.  I find myself driving past the local high school on my way to wherever it is I happen to be going.  As I slowly pass the school (going no more than 20 MPH, of course) I can’t help but reflect on how much different things appear to be now compared to when I was in high school.   Back when I was in high school… We didn’t have cell phones or the internet.  We used payphones and the library.  We didn’t dye our hair black and (apparently) avoid sun

Behavior charts can be powerful tools for motivating children and teens, teaching responsibility, and helping them stay accountable. The key is to keep the chart simple, consistent, and tailored to your child’s age and needs. Here are five types of charts parents often find helpful: General Behavior Chart This is the most versatile type of chart, used to track overall behavior such as listening, following directions, showing respect, or completing homework. Parents can use st

Adolescence is a stage filled with identity-building, emotional intensity, and rapid social learning. As teens begin to navigate independence, relationships, and authority, they may test boundaries — sometimes through behavior that feels manipulative. While manipulation can be frustrating and emotionally exhausting for parents, it is often rooted in unmet needs, insecurity, or a lack of communication skills rather than intentional malice. Guilt Tripping: Turning Emotion into

Helping children build positive habits early sets the foundation for lifelong success. One simple, effective tool that parents and teachers love is a student contract —a short agreement created with your child that outlines expectations, responsibilities, and rewards. Below, you’ll find an explanation of what a student contract is, how it works, and why it’s so useful for elementary-age kids. At the end of this article, you can download a free student contract  to use at home

In a world full of behavior charts, reward apps, and complex incentive systems , it’s easy to forget that some of the most effective behavior strategies are also the simplest. One of the classics—often used long before behavior science had a name—is affectionately called “Grandma’s Rule.”  You may know it by its more formal behavioral term: the Premack Principle . Regardless of what you call it, this approach is a powerful, humane, and practical tool for increasing cooperati

If you’re fortunate enough to have found a babysitter you trust and genuinely like, you already know how valuable that peace of mind is. The next step? Keeping that sitter happy so they’re excited to work with your family again. Here are some simple, practical ways to keep your babysitter feeling appreciated and eager to return: 1. Pay a fair, up-to-date rate Babysitting rates have changed a lot in recent years, so make sure you’re offering something competitive in your area.

Every parent has that moment—the sudden realization that their sweet, tiny toddler is now a bold, opinionated little human who seems to think they  run the show. It doesn’t happen overnight. It happens slowly, subtly, and eventually… loudly. But here’s the secret: You can absolutely establish healthy authority before  your child starts taking over—and you can do it without power struggles, yelling, or turning your home into a battleground. Below are the practical, grounded wa

The teen and tween years are full of rapid change—physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. During this stage, kids are forming patterns and preferences that may stick with them for life. As a parent or caregiver, you can play a powerful role in helping them build healthy habits without nagging, micromanaging, or fighting constant battles. Here’s how to encourage positive routines in a way that feels supportive, not restrictive. 1. Model the Habits You Want to See

Understanding Conduct Disorder, Early Warning Signs, and What Parents Can Do Every parent has moments when their child’s behavior leaves them worried, exhausted, or confused. Temper tantrums, arguments, rule-breaking, or a rebellious streak are often just part of growing up. But sometimes, the behavior crosses a line—becoming aggressive, consistently deceitful, or intentionally harmful. When these patterns persist, it’s natural for a parent to wonder: Is this just a phase… or

Here’s a simple formula you can follow: 1. Pick ONE Behavior to Focus On Start small. Examples: Completing homework before screens Getting up on time Keeping a clean room Speaking respectfully Following a bedtime routine If your child struggles in multiple areas, don’t overwhelm them (or yourself). Mastery happens one behavior at a time. 2. Define the Behavior in Clear, Measurable Terms Avoid vague statements like: “Be respectful” “Stop fighting with your sister” “Keep yo

As kids grow, their social world expands fast—new classmates, teammates, neighbors, and online connections. Some of these friendships blossom, some fade, and some leave us wondering: Is this person truly a good friend… or just someone my child happens to hang out with? Teaching kids how to recognize healthy friendships is one of the best skills we can give them. Instead of telling them who  to be friends with, we can help them think critically about how  their friendships mak

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, “Family preservation services are short-term, family-focused services designed to assist families in crisis by improving parenting and family functioning while keeping children safe.” In simple terms, family preservation is exactly what it sounds like—support designed to help families stay together, grow stronger, and prevent crises that could lead to abuse, neglect, or out-of-home placement. These services are usually commu

Be Vigilant. When I ask you to be careful, one of the most important things I’m really saying is be vigilant . Vigilance is more than simply looking around—it’s a conscious decision to stay aware, to stay present, and to engage with the world rather than drift through it distracted. In our modern lives, it’s incredibly easy to become absorbed in a phone screen, a playlist, or our own thoughts. But being vigilant requires lifting your eyes and paying attention to what is happe

A token economy is a behavioral reinforcement system where individuals earn tokens (or other symbolic rewards) for demonstrating desired behaviors, which can later be exchanged for tangible rewards or privileges. This approach is often used with children or teens in various settings such as schools, therapy, or at home to promote positive behaviors. Here's how a token economy can benefit a child or teen: 1. Encourages Positive Behavior A token economy reinforces positive beh

Disciplining a difficult child can feel as exhausting as running two miles in ski boots. Many parents would rather tackle almost any other chore—changing a flat tire, scrubbing the garage, even digging a ditch—than face another round of tantrums, backtalk, or defiance. But the truth is, every challenging moment is an opportunity to teach, connect, and grow together. Effective discipline isn’t about control—it’s about guidance. And it starts with three essential characteristic

Parent coaching exploded in popularity years ago thanks to the emergence of shows like Nanny 911 and Supernanny. These programs allowed viewers to witness the daily battles that occur between frustrated parents and their unruly children. Episodes are not only entertaining - but they also offer a great deal of insight to parents who are dealing with similar issues in their own homes. Hiring a qualified parent coach is quite simple. You may not get Supernanny or one of the deli

The Art of the Child Tantrum We all know that tantrums are an integral part of being a parent…but when our children have them, it’s a whole different ballgame!   “Weathering the storm of a high-octane tantrum” is likely high on most parents’ list of “things that should be avoided at all costs.”  Unfortunately, a well-executed tantrum isn’t always easy to avoid.   At only three-years-old, my daughter was highly skilled when it came to tantrum-throwing - especially when things

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of life. Every parent strives to raise a well-behaved, happy, and confident child, but sometimes, children may display challenging behaviors that can leave parents feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. This is where a child behavior program can make a significant difference. A structured behavior program offers many benefits, helping to improve behavior while fostering a positive and supportive environment for

Parenting is one of the most complex and challenging roles a person can take on. Every parent strives to guide their children towards...

Adolescence is a time of rapid change, and teens can often seem like they’re slipping away from you. Their interests, friends, and...