Kids

Children who move at a snail's pace can — and should — learn that tardiness has consequences. As a father, your goal should be to encourage your dawdlers to take charge of this area of their life. That way, they'll learn that no matter how much they like to putter around the house, some things — like getting to school on time — simply aren't negotiable.   You can do … [Read more...] about Get your children up-to-speed

It is important for fathers to remember that the purpose of discipline is to help your children learn how to do better. The best way to accomplish this is with positive reinforcement. When the kids do what they are supposed to do, offer plenty of encouragement: "You finished all your homework! That warrants a bike ride before dinner."   Another good incentive that a … [Read more...] about The power of positive reinforcement

The problem that fathers often face with taking away privileges when their children misbehave is that it's easy to get stuck in a power struggle with them. You take away a privilege, they get angry and act out more, and you take away yet another privilege. What happens is that the privileges often run out too quick and instead of the cooperation and self-discipline you'd hoped … [Read more...] about Taking away the privileges

By the time children hit the school age, they probably have a better handle on anger and should be acting out less than they did as a preschooler. Even so, they are still likely to lash out verbally now and then — especially about perceived injustices ("Why do I have to go to bed when Adam gets to stay up until nine? I hate you!").   When that happens, they … [Read more...] about Responding to “I Hate You”

If you're just coming home from a long day at work, try to keep phone conversations to a minimum. Your youngsters haven’t seen you all day and they need time to check in.  When the phone rings, make sure your kids have something to occupy them, like building a Lego castle or playing a computer game. If they start to whine or complain, break from your call to say, … [Read more...] about More Phone Tips for Grownups