King of Pop

Michael Jackson touched all of us at one point in our lives. For me, his music was so much a part of my life. So what does this have to do with parenting? Now would be a great time to gather the family around and share with them stories about how life was while Michael Jackson's songs were being played. Kids love to hear stories about their parents when they were younger. Everyone can even try to moon walk! I did this with my daughter and even pulled out my Jackson 5 albums. We had a great time and was a good way to honor a legend.

Potty Training

If potty training is on that list for the summer- This is a great website to help you through the ups and downs! Remember to be consistent and positive-They won't go to college in diapers- trust me!

http://www.parentdish.com/category/potty-training/?ncid=emlblstwbbbab00000001

Summer Time

I just ran across a great new book for kids Follow That Map by Scot Ritchie. This is a first book on mapping skills. What a great book for that summer trip and a great learning experience for your child.

New website

My website may look the same, but make note it's under construction- When done it will feel new and improved!!! Look forward to sharing with you some great tools to help in your parenting concerns. Talk soon

Back to School

We had a great time all summer, but now it's time to get back to school. Make it easier on your kids and yourself by establishing routines now that will make it easier for you all year long.
At Pages of Parenting bookstore, we have charts from Creative Changes, Inc. that help kids get ready for school and share in family responsibilities. Charts for personal care, potty training, chores, and behavior keep you from having to nag. You'll be happier, and so will your kids!

Here we are AUGUST

I've been to a lot of conferences lately. Most teachers are saying the summer was way too short. They had so many hours of professional development that it seemed there wasn't much down time. Next week they start going back-year round schools already are back in the routine. As teachers drag themselves into the classrooms, the parents are counting down the days to back to school. I have received various comments from parents who stop by the Pages of Parenting Bookstore saying that they have enjoyed the special time and trips with their kids but they can't wait to get them back in school and routine. One mom said that her 13yr old is so off his sleeping schedule that he will have a rough first week back. As you find that escape from the hot sun, take some time to start jotting down your to-do's for back to school. It's never to early to get into that frame of mind. This will be a great school year. TIP for first day of school children- try to take them by their new school ahead of time, to relieve some of the first day jitters!

Parent Coach??

When I tell people that along with my parenting bookstore, I am also a parent coach, they respond with "What is a Parent Coach?"

Parent Coaching is a professional relationship that enhances your ability to learn, make changes, and achieve desired goals as a parent or child. A parent coach helps you get clear about what you want to accomplish, set specific goals, make an effective action plan, stay focused, and eliminate obstacles.
Coaching is not teaching, although it is educational.
Coaching reinforces learned concepts and skills until they become second nature. Your coach provides skills training in the 'need-to-know' moment that formal teaching missed. With your coach you will discover how much you already know. You learn more by discovering answers than by hearing them.

Coaching is not therapy, but it is therapeutic.
The focus of coaching is on taking a hard look at what is working for you and your family and what is not working. Then you'll identify specific plans, action steps, and ways of thinking that will move you toward achieving your desired goals.