Morris County Family Intervention Services provides free services to families in a variety of forms; parenting classes, family therapy, individual counseling services, and other classes are available for those who qualify.

Morris County

Family Intervention Services, Inc.

20 Vanderhoof Avenue

Denville, NJ 07866

Phone: 973-586-5243

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Many of has have read, owned and never touched, heard of, or just wondered about this book. Goodreads.com said, "Here is the bestselling book that will give you the know-how to be effective with your children...Enthusiastically praised by parents and professionals around the world, the down-to-earth, respectful approach of Faber and Mazlish makes relationships with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding."

There are many positive reviews and even a lot of criticism of this particular book. I found many of the suggestions in it helpful as both a parents and counselor but I agree that you have to find your own balance. Below, Simone Davies of www.themontessorinotebook.com/, created a summary for those of you that just haven't had the time to sit down and read it or are like me- and just love to have a "quick guide" to refer back to!

Parent Toolkit is a great resource made with parents in mind. As a parent, I absolutely love the 5 minutes to spare video series because most days I don't even know if I have one minute to spare! Check it out and make sure to browse their other features like math videos, tips, activities, articles, etc.

Teaching kids how to apologize...

This is just an interesting link (click on the picture to access website) I came across that has a TED talk for parents speaking specifically about the importance of grit.

Grit is something we are focusing more and more on in school when we are talking about positive character traits. Grit, in my mind at least, is very similar to resilience and can be a major predictor in future success for kids. It's a quality of those that keep going and don't give up. I like to call it the "no excuses" trait in character building.

Source: www.play-activities.com

I recently read a positive review on Amy McCready and decided to check out her stuff. I read about the "asked and answered" game and I liked how simple it was. On her Positive Parenting Solutions website, she has a lot of great posts and some pretty simple ideas and tricks for positive parenting (I think it should be called sanity saving parenting personally)...check her out!

Source: Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and author.

Website: www.positiveparentingsolutions.com

1. Homework Charts:

http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/four-simple-ways-to-help-the-easily-frustrated-child/

A useful article when dealing with those all too familiar nightly struggles. Even if you think this is more support than you need...a homework chart is an amazing tool to take the fight out of homework time.

2. Command Centers and Homework Stations:

Set up a homework area and make it as easy as possible for your child to be self-sufficient. This will create an expectation and give them the tools for optimal focus. These command centers are pretty impressive...and somewhat elaborate. It doesn't necessarily have to be fancy...just a designated area with all the fixin's!

Creative Consequences vs. Punishing our kids

It can be tough having to dish out punishments for our kids...or even more so...finding consequences that work! There is nothing more important for young people to learn than the idea of natural consequences for their choices. We all have consequences- if you don't make the deadline at work; you get in trouble, if you are constantly late; you get fired, if you are mean to your friends; you lose them, if you don't stay organized; you lose out on good stuff, etc. etc. Teaching your child about consequences and having clear boundaries is the only way to set them up to be successful! The blog post below has some great ideas for being both loving and firm.

Creative Consequences for Kids

I also really like this article, Consequences That Actually Work! (Part 3- Restitution Consequences). I'm a big fan of restitution!

Dinner Time and Table Talk

"I can't do it!" ... "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!"... The Eeyore Syndrome

The Negativity Bias- How to help your child focus on the good stuff by Kim Restivo

This article has some nice points on how quickly we all get sucked into that negative mindset...and more importantly- how we pass that onto those little sponges watching our every move :) The article is a quick read and it points out a few useful and simple strategies. I've listed them and thrown in a few of my own:

• Start by asking your child about their day and see what they tell you first… a celebration or a perceived mistake/problem?

• If they start with the negative stuff...stop them and tell them to start with the good...then the bad...then end with the good- the sandwich technique!

• End every day with the "one good thing" or the "best part" ritual. When tucking your child in...ask them to tell you what their favorite part of their day was. Model this for them...it might be hard at first but they'll get the hang of it after a few nights.

I also have to send a "shout out" to an old professor of mine from The College of Saint Rose; Doctor Stephen Birchak aka "Dr. Bird". Not only was he a fabulous teacher, an extremely intelligent man and an inspiring parent...but he is a wonderful human being. He has written a few books but my personal favorite is How to Build a Child's Character by Tapping into Your Own. You are welcome to purchase your own, or you can always borrow my copy that I keep handy in my office at all times. :)

Just as we get stressed out about our day to day lives...our kids do too. It might seem silly...and there are times we just want to ask, "What could you possibly be stressed about?? You don't have bills to pay, someone does your laundry and makes you dinner...and everyone encourages you to take a nap!!" But the truth is, our little ones haven't quite developed those coping skills yet and anxiety in children is a common, and rising, issue.

Here is a great article that details ways to deal: Dealing with Anxiety in Kids

13 books for helping children with anxiety is a blog with a great list of awesome books and a comprehensive summary for each one. My personal favorites are, Wemberly Worried, David and the WORRY BEAST, Is A Worry Worrying You?, Wilma Jean the Worry Machine, and When My Worries Get Too Big.