Good parenting skills

How to Help Kids Get Along: Masterclass | Podcast Episode 287

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in Bad Behavior, Good parenting skills

How does one mom handle it, when she finds her daughters throwing dirt at each other?

No matter the season, there’s always an opportunity for kids to come into conflict with other kids.

Whether siblings, cousins, classmates or just somebody at the playground, mean words, pushing, and other acts of frustration or aggression abound.

So, do we parents just have to live with it, put up with the bickering and hard feelings?

Nope!

This masterclass is a distillation of three months’ worth of work in the private, online community I run for parents of young children.
During April, May, and June 2019 we dove headfirst into the problems real parents really experience, and how to alleviate it when kids aren’t getting along.

Today I’m bringing you behind the scenes, directly into the Ninja Parenting Community, sharing the information you need to help your kids actually get along!

Some of these ideas may seem unconventional, and likely (unless you are a member of NPC) they are new to you, but they REALLY work.

In fact we finish out with a success story! How does one mom handle it, when she finds her daughters throwing dirt at each other?

Find out in this episode of We Turned Out Okay!

Plus in Parenting News: This article in the Atlantic, on Fred Rogers (of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood) and how he approached speaking with children, is one of those articles I wanted to hug to my chest <3
I share why in today’s Parenting News segment.
Plus I read my recent review of Audrey Monke’s wonderful book, Happy Campers!

Join us!

Sign up for my Weekly Parenting Newsletter

Go to weturnedoutokay.com/287 for:

  • Notes from this Masterclass on How to Help Kids Get Along with Other Kids
  • The Masterclass video
  • Links to free guides on potty training, handling every temper tantrum, and more

And thank you so much for listening!

Today’s episode is brought to you by…
You, if you have purchased one of my parenting books! I write books that help parents truly enjoy family time, by sharing tools and formulas that you can use to change your child’s behavior from bad to good, and also that help you feel happy inside.
Go to weturnedoutokay.com/books to check them out!

Continue reading “How to Help Kids Get Along: Masterclass | Podcast Episode 287” →

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A Roadmap to Responsibility and Independence: Podcast Bonus Episode!

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in Good parenting skills, Independence for Kids and Parents

In today’s bonus podcast episode I answer WTOO Facebook group member Jennifer’s question about how to get kids to take responsibility without continually hovering around them and “politely interrupting” in order to get kids to clean up their messes.

I put this in the context of a roadmap, which includes three crucial steps to independence, responsibility, and guilt-free parenting.

(BTW: I share about a conversation I had recently on a wonderful show, Authentic Parenting. Click here for Anna Seewald’s conversation with me, in episode 185 of her show, all about how our childhoods impact our whole lives. (You should listen away from kiddos, there are some adult themes in this episode.)

Thank you so much for listening!

I’m offering a special program, “How to do less for your kids, and feel good about it: 21 days to Independence,” which starts this coming Monday, July 15.

Everything I cover in this episode – and it’s a lot! – has been a starting point.

This 3-week workshop is tailored specifically to your needs, very personalized (even includes videos that I make just for you each week!) and so helpful as you work to get your child to be independent and responsible.

Registration ends Sunday July 14, if spots don’t run out first! (I am strictly limiting enrollment, and there are just a few spots left now.)

Go to weturnedoutokay.com/indy to learn more about the program, watch a video overview, and to sign up!

If you’re listing after Sunday, July 14, 2019, and you want to learn how to get your child to be independent and responsible, I recommend that you join the private coaching community I run for parents.
Go to weturnedoutokay.com/workwithme to learn more!

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A roadmap to getting your child to take more responsibility

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in Good parenting skills

Happy Wednesday!

Today I want to give you some concrete steps you can take, to get your child to take more responsibility.

The method below also helps your child become more independent.

FYI: Spots are filling up for the program I’m offering, all about how to do less for your child and feel good about that! Because I’m working so closely with participants I am strictly limiting enrollment. (As I write this there are just 4 spots left!) You can learn more and register by clicking weturnedoutokay.com/indy.

Independence is good for two reasons:

  • 1. When kids can do more for themselves, it is ultimately going to be helpful for them, all their lives.
  • 2. When kids can do more for themselves, we don’t have to do as much for them. We can be guilt-free as we enjoy more free time, maybe even do something that fills our soul.

But, it can be incredibly difficult to give our children independence. Just as it can be incredibly difficult to get them to take more responsibility.

This is for a variety of reasons, and it is something that I have struggled with as my kids have grown.

I’ve overcome this challenge, and I have helped others do the same. In fact all this quarter in the Ninja Parenting Community, our focus is on independence! If you are an NPC member, click this link to go directly to our Parent Quarterly Focus forum on Independence.

So, here is my roadmap to getting your child to take more responsibility, and also getting your child to be more independent! Continue reading “A roadmap to getting your child to take more responsibility” →

YouTube is a dangerous place. Here’s how to protect your child.

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in complicated and difficult family stuff, Good parenting skills

Happy Wednesday!

Heads up: a week from tomorrow I’m teaching a FREE online parenting class, “How to Help Your Kids Get Along with Other Kids!” Learn more and register for the class by clicking here.

Training update:

While I did get 2 advanced chapters of Educating Happy Kids: 9 Ways to Help Your Children Learn What They Need to Know into the Ninja Parenting Community, I had high hopes of getting a cover survey to you this week… But I was unable to do that.

I’ve experienced a flareup of my tendon condition, and cover creation, while super fun, requires a lot of clicking.
I haven’t been able to do it.

And I am sorry about that.

It hurts to get in here and report that I wasn’t able to do something for you that I had set out to do.

But I am pressing on! Hopefully within the next week I will be able to share covers and get your input on the one you like the best.

The dangers of YouTube and how to protect your child from them

YouTube is simply a tool.
Tools can be used for good purposes – like learning how to knit using short rows, or clean the inside of your car’s windshield. But tools can also be used for nefarious purposes.

During a discussion in the private coaching group for parents that I run, one mom questioned my idea of focusing on YouTube as one of the most dangerous places on the Internet.

In response to an Educating Happy Kids advanced chapter, she wrote into our forums: “I think “YouTube is Dangerous” was well done, but you neglect to explain that your example is just that, an example. It’s not the only place where those problematic algorithms live.”

This mom has a great point.
Probably like you, I love YouTube and use it frequently. But it does have its dangers, and they are problematic for this very reason: just about everyone uses YouTube.
Including our kids. With so many millions upon millions of children using YouTube, it represents a huge danger, and thus is worthy of consideration all by itself, in a blog post like this.

YouTube is also all about rabbit holes. In the last few weeks I have been pulled down a rabbit hole of investigating YouTube as a tool. Continue reading “YouTube is a dangerous place. Here’s how to protect your child.” →

Use this untapped force for learning | Podcast Episode 281

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in Good parenting skills

I know you’re wondering: what is this untapped force? It’s… Wait for it…

BOREDOM.

Several factors have combined to illustrate for me the amazing power of being bored.

I share about these factors in this episode, and I also share about how they are helping me understand that us humans need boredom in our lives. We need to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” as next week’s guests on our show will share. (To find out who they are, you’ll have to tune in next week. All I can say here is that I am so excited to bring you such a wonderful and life-affirming conversation : )

Today, I’m sharing 3 practical ways you can foster boredom, bring it into your family’s life, without going insane!

Plus in Parenting News: A fantastic article called “How to Bullyproof Your Child”

Join us!

Go to weturnedoutokay.com/281 for:

  • A cheat sheet on the 3 practical ways to bring boredom into your family’s life, without going bananas
  • The video of the week: “What to do when you hear the words “I’m bored””

And thank you so much for listening!

Temper Tantrums, Potty Training, and Picky Eaters:

Today I share about three helpful free guides I offer.
While the podcast is long-form – your opportunity to look into the mind of a child development expert – the free guides are super quick.

You can watch the video, read the checklist, and immediately get the help you need : )

  • Click here for the FREE video and checklist to Handle Every Temper Tantrum
  • Click here for the FREE video and checklist to Successfully Potty Train Your Child
  • Click here for the FREE video and checklist to Handle Your Picky Eater
  • Want to receive valuable ideas and tips on parenting, without either free guide above? Click here for my weekly parenting newsletter!

 

Continue reading “Use this untapped force for learning | Podcast Episode 281” →

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4 ways to help your child make friends | Podcast Episode 275

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in Good parenting skills

One of the most concerning things for us parents is that our kids will not have any friends.
Maybe because we all remember that feeling of being lonely, or singled out.

We can feel kind of helpless at the same time. You may be feeling like either the process is so intuitive that you can’t teach it, or you may even be thinking “I don’t have that many friends, who am I to be trying to teach my child how to make friends?”

In this episode I deconstruct this process.
I offer 4 ways to help your child make friends.

ALSO in Parenting News: a member of the We Turned Out Okay Facebook group makes the New York Times! For something really special!

Take a listen!

Go to weturnedoutokay.com/275 for:

  • A cheat sheet of the 4 ways to help your child make friends
  • Links to a whole bunch of good stuff including to some of the best conversations we’ve ever had on WTOO
  • The video of the week: “4 Ways to help your young child make friends”

And thank you so much for listening!

Temper Tantrums and Potty Training:

Today I share about two helpful free guides I offer.
While the podcast is long-form – your opportunity to look into the mind of a child development expert – the free guides are super quick.

You can watch the video, read the checklist, and immediately handle the temper tantrums or get started with potty training (depending on which guide you choose : )

  • Click here for the FREE video and checklist to handle every temper tantrum
  • Click here for the FREE video and checklist to successfully potty train your child
  • Want to receive valuable ideas and tips on parenting, without either free guide above? Click here for my weekly parenting newsletter!

Live Q&A and Open House Tour

Ever wished you could check out the private coaching community that I run for parents of young children?
Do you have questions about if it could work for you, even in your busy, insane life and with whatever technical skills you possess (especially if you feel like they’re not very good)?
You’re in luck! On THIS coming Thursday, April 25 at 1 PM EST, I am throwing open the doors to the Ninja Parenting Community!
I’m taking you right inside, and showing you:
– What our members love about it
– How the community helps parents turn family time into “the best time of the day”
– And I’m taking questions too!

It’s free… I’m so excited to bring you in and show you around!
It’s live… But even if you can’t be there live, signing up gets you the replay so you can rewatch as many times as you like.
It’s where my heart and soul is… because I get to work closely with so many amazing parents.

Don’t miss out on discovering this secret to happy parenting…
Click weturnedoutokay.com/tour to sign up!

Continue reading “4 ways to help your child make friends | Podcast Episode 275” →

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Should I make my kids do chores? | Podcast episode 256

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in Good parenting skills, Successful Fulfilled Kids

I feel your pain about getting kids to do chores.

They whine, and complain, and with enough of that, we begin to ask ourselves “is this really necessary? I could have already had this done myself, and saved us all this trouble.”

But if kids don’t do chores, what happens? Are they any more or less likely to have a successful, fulfilled, happy life?

Today we dive into this topic. We explore the right chore mindset, and three practical steps you can take, regarding chores and your child.

Go to weturnedoutokay.com/256 for:

  • My chore cheat sheet, explaining the mindset and practical tips to help you in the moment
  • The scoop on my latest book, just out! One reviewer says “If you’re ready for communication and mutual respect to replace chaos and misbehavior, do yourself a favor and read 10 Secrets Happy Parents Know.“
  • The video of the week: “How to have a well behaved child at a party”

And thank you so much for listening!

Temper Tantrums and Potty Training:

During today’s break I share about two helpful free guides I offer.
While the podcast is long-form – your opportunity to look into the mind of a child development expert – the free guides are super quick.

You can watch the video, read the checklist, and immediately handle the temper tantrums or get started with potty training (depending on which guide you choose : )

  • Click here for the FREE video and checklist to handle every temper tantrum
  • Click here for the FREE video and checklist to successfully potty train your child

Continue reading “Should I make my kids do chores? | Podcast episode 256” →

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In praise of positive discipline | What the American Academy of Pediatrics thinks about spanking | Podcast episode 252

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in Child development, Good parenting skills
I love this picture. Mom and son, strong together : )

I did a happy dance a few weeks ago when I read that American Academy of Pediatrics has revised its guidelines on spanking and corporal punishment. This 67,000-doctor organization is coming out strongly against spanking, humiliating, and frightening children as discipline.

Today I’m rebroadcasting my conversation with former AAP president, Dr. Benard Dreyer. Dr. Dreyer gave such wonderful advice for parents as we raise our kids, and to my surprise it’s been more than 2 years since this interview first aired! Time flies.

In the preshow, before our conversation, I read from the newspaper article that had me doing my happy dance, “Spanking is harmful, ineffective, group says.”

Hope you enjoy this episode, and that it helps you remember to keep your discipline positive!

Go to weturnedoutokay.com/252 for:

  • The link to the article about the AAP’s stance on spanking
  • What’s up in the We Turned Out Okay universe, including tons of free resources : )
  • The video of the week: Off this week, returning after Thanksgiving

And thank you so much for listening! Continue reading “In praise of positive discipline | What the American Academy of Pediatrics thinks about spanking | Podcast episode 252” →

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Is my parenting style helping or hurting? | Podcast Episode 250

Posted by Karen Lock Kolp on in Good parenting skills, Successful Fulfilled Kids

The term “parenting style” feels so nebulous.

But what if your parenting style – what you do in day-to-day interactions with your young child – makes it harder for you to connect, to be happy as you raise your family?

What if it affected, not just your young one’s childhood, but their whole life?

Framed like that, the parenting style we bring isn’t so much nebulous, as important.
Key, even.

Today’s episode digs into the 3 different parenting styles, how they affect your child’s life, and yours.

It’s part two of our “raising successful, fulfilled kids” series, and I hope it’s useful for you!

Go to weturnedoutokay.com/250 for:

  • A cheat sheet on these 3 parenting styles
  • What’s up in the We Turned Out Okay universe, including tons of free resources : )
  • The video of the week: “Am I smothering my child with love?”
  • The sign-up for our upcoming ‘When to potty train, How to potty train’ free online class

And thank you so much for listening! Continue reading “Is my parenting style helping or hurting? | Podcast Episode 250” →

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