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Monday, September 5, 2011

Your Child Needs Your Attention & Understanding

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach

Your Attention & Understanding   Life Coaching Activities

 I posted a quote of mine today on Twitter and I thought that I should elaborate on my quote. The quote.

The most important thing your child can have for school is your attention & understanding.

For many young children heading back to school this week, there are feelings of excitement mixed with uncertainty. Concerns can range (and not in order) from not knowing the teacher, meeting new classmates,  the seating arrangement in the classroom, the curriculum content, to how they should dress.  These are real concerns and if not addressed can cause fear and possibly interfere with learning.

Your attention and understanding is crucial at this time.

I am offering some suggestions/Life Coaching  activities for you to use as you parent your child this new school year.

 Establish Routines
Children love certainty. They want and need routines. Early in the school year set up a schedule and  stick with it. It offers a level of comfort to your child.

Listen to what your Child has to say. Really listen!
Want to know what their school day was like? I always found this worked with my four children. Instead of asking, “how was school today?” because that always elicited a neutral answer….I would ask,  “ How was Ms. Jones/Mr. Smith today?”…this question always got me an answer that gave me insight into their school day, be it good, bad or indifferent.


Be organized  
Help your child organize a work space. Insure that needed supplies are at hand. This will lessen stress and prevents that late night dash to the store in search of school products. When purchasing supplies, buy extra, if budget permits.

The Fridge Front Phenome
Compliment, compliment, compliment . Highlight their achievements no matter how small they may seem to you. That’s what the front of the fridge is for!  Compliments are essential to building your child’s confidence and a strong self confidence is key to their school success.

Help your child make it the best school year it can be for them!
Find other Life Coaching activities at my Blog.
If you have any questions about parenting, please email me. phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Ten Ways to Help Your Child Be the Best He/She Can Be

Want To Help Your Child Be the Best He/She Can Be?
Phyllis Reardon  M.Ed.
Life Coach
 
This is a reprint of an earlier article I published. As you approach this new shool year do so as positively as you can.
 
Being a parent isn’t easy. We all want the best for our children but life can get busy and sometimes just pass us by. In my coaching practice I work with parents to help them enjoy their children and life to the fullest. I would like to offer you a sample of the life coaching activities I use with my clients.
Life Coaching Activities for Helping Your Child
 
  1. Take time to talk to your child and really, really listen to what they have to say. Ask about their activities, their friends and school. Actively listen by looking directly at them. Remember their answers.
  1. Highlight all of their activities no matter how small you might think them to be. Success builds more success but we need to be validated in that success.
  1. If you have more than one child create a special time for each of them. This makes them feel as important as you believe they are. It is amazing what you hear and learn with one on one!
  1. Get them involved in a variety of activities, sports, music, community groups. There are programs for most budgets. This will help them discover their strengths and passions helping with career decisions later in life.
  1. Respect their opinion. Ask them what they think about family plans and projects. They are wiser than you think!
  1. Create an environment of good health and fitness. Teach by example. A healthy body produces a healthy mind, necessary for success in our world. Get moving together!
  1. Read, read, read. Surround your child with books. Introduce them to the local library at an early age. Knowledge is power!
  1. At an early age have them make choices. What clothes to wear, what game to play, which book to read. Simple decision making practiced early in life makes it easier when more difficult life decisions present themselves.
  1. Talk to them about your work. If you work outside the house and you have an opportunity maybe they could visit your place of work. They are always interested to learn what you do.
  1. Show them love. Show them respect. Treat them gently. Your behavior becomes their behavior. Most of all enjoy them!
If you would like more information on Parent Life Coaching or you would like a free consultation please contact me, Phyllis@coachphyllis.com