Growing Change Parent Coaching

We’re often so frustrated and so fed up that we forget an important tool in our parenting tool kit. Talk about it. Yes, we can remember to talk about it.
I don’t mean telling your kids 10 times to pick up their smelly socks or saying something til you’re blue in the face.

I mean having a family meeting to talk about the current situation that you want to address.

The family meeting is an opportunity to talk about it.
An opportunity to get together, thank everyone for showing up, even at 5 years old, and to discuss the issues that need resolve. This is what we’re aiming for. A conversation modeling calmness, respect, turn taking. Everyone is heard and listened to. Your child has an opportunity to offer a solution.

“Dad and I are finding food all over the house. There’s food in your bedrooms, in the living room, in the playroom. We even found a half eaten bagel in the bathroom. Why is that happening? Who’s going share first? We’re listening.” The limit and boundary is simply and clearly stated. Food at the table. Dishes in the sink.

And they help come up with solutions and we hold them to trying it out.

The family meeting builds connection, helps families work together and builds respect and communication.

Have you tried a family meeting? Share below what your experiences were. ⬇️

Sometimes it’s not our child. Sometimes it’s us. We’re so busy. Self care isn’t even a thought. We work long hours. We’re stressed doing too much, not making the time our child needs, and we’re disconnected. All these lead to a child demonstrating challenging behaviors.

When we pause, slow down and bring the one on one connection in, see how much changes. Suddenly there’s less resistance. There’s improved listening. There’s more willingness. There’s a better attitude and connection.

Just 20 minutes of intentional attuned time together will change so much of what’s currently not working.

Make the time. It’s worth it.

It comes up quite often… a child hitting their parent. A hitting 2 year old is very different from a hitting 8 year old. They may hit for similar reasons… anger, frustration, inability to accept no for an answer. Yes, both need to learn not to hit. And it’s possible.

Read on to learn how to connect, better understand your child in that moment and what a boundary sounds like and how to teach this important skill in self regulation for both you and your child.



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Setting a boundary means creating a limit that is clear and to the point without using many words. It’s also something that we are clear about with ourselves.

Why am I setting this boundary? Is it safety? Is it a core value? Is it for quality of life for your family?

When we really lean into something, whether it’s a core value or a family rule, a boundary is a guardrail. It’s a clear, conscious intention. If a toddler writes on the walls again, it’s bye bye crayons.

“I’ll serve your dinner when all your dirty dishes are put in the dishwasher and you cleaned up after yourself.”

Dirty socks and clothes lying around the house?

“I know you want to play on your Switch. First clean up all your dirty socks, clothes, and put shoes away, then you can play for an hour. Tell me and show me it’s done.”

And we follow through calmly and consciously, with clarity and confidence.

Amidst the challenges, the struggles, the screaming and the frustration, there are moments of peace,moments of ease and connection. We can grow more moments like these, more moments of love and joy.

Pause to notice. Pause to take in those special moments. They are there, hidden in between it all. Feel the good, and let your family know how good it really does feel. They need to know.



https://www.growingchangecoaching.com

Connection and a playful touch along with a clear boundary, is a very helpful parenting tool.

Reach out to me for a fee consultation.

https://www.growingchangecoaching.com

When we lighten the moment and prioritize play and laughter, we build connection which makes parenting easier.

Playfulness goes hand in hand with setting boundaries. Depending on the age of your child, playfulness can change the energy from tantrum to better listening.
“You can be as angry as a lion and roar, and you still can’t throw toys. Let’s hear how loud you can roar when you’re angry. Now let’s hear a small roar that’s not loud.”

A little imagination and the willingness to be silly or funny can change the whole tone in your home.

When your child experiences you as someone who takes delights in them and not just corrects them, they become more cooperative and trusting. And trust is essential in parenting.

Laughter will help you self regulate too, which will help your child co-regulate. Everyone wins!

-coaching

https://www.growingchangecoaching.com

Preteens; emerging adolescents with so much changing within, pressure to navigate through, more than ever need our connection, understanding and our boundary setting. That’s our job


https://www.growingchangecoaching.com