North Schuylkill
Junior High School Guidance
WAYS TO BE A PATIENT PARENT:
Be a planner:
Have morning dawdlers choose their clothes the night before and put their packed-and-ready backpacks by the door. "To ease homework drama, have them do it as soon as they're home.
Have family meetings:
Every week, discuss what went well, what didn't and how to do things differently. Get consensus from the kids; they'll be "much more invested in seeing it through." "Plus, they come up with ideas that are unique and usually work."
Set clear consequences:
Ask the kids what the consequences should be. "Instead of drawing a line, you make them your ally." That means children help set rules, assign chores and establish routines. They'll feel respected. No questions. And, best of all, no arguments.
[Taken from USA Weekend (May 4-6, 2012]
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