Elizabeth Pantley
Biography
Articles
What is Perfect Parenting?
What is perfect parenting? Perfect parenting is parenting with a plan. It is based on action, rather than reaction. Knowledge, rather than chance. Thoughtfulness, rather than anger. Common sense,... [more]
My Kid, the Lawyer Wannabe
She opened with a question. "Mom! What are we having for dinner?""Well, hello to you, too, honey," Judy said with a chuckle, leaning over to press a kiss on Jennifer's cheek. "We're having fish." [more]
Listen With Your Heart
Think back to when you were growing up, and all the times when you felt self-doubt, confusion, and frustration. It's tough growing up! You can help your children get through the bumps and bruises of... [more]
The Power of Choice
Would you like to get your kids to willingly cooperate? Stop the daily battles? Teach your kids valuable life skills? If your answer is Yes! Yes! Yes! then read on . . .There are so many things we... [more]
Ending the Homework Hassles
Question: Getting my kids to do homework is a big hassle and an energy drain. By the time report cards are sent home, I usually feel there should be a page that grades ME for nagging, begging,... [more]
Vacations - Are we there yet?
Vacationing with children can be fun! There are many things you can do to make your trip more enjoyable:1. Tell them what to expect. As you plan your vacation you'll know what to expect based o [more]
5...3...1...Go!
I was at our neighborhood pool last Saturday and witnessed this gruesome scene:Mother: We need to get going. Please get out of the pool.Scott: Not yet, Mom.Mother: Now. Let's [more]
Parent Tips: Set 2 - Defying Defiance
Is there anything as maddening as a child who boldly opposes authority?Far too many children these days openly challenge their parents authority. There are two main reasons that this happens: [more]
Parent Tips: Set 3 - 5 Mistakes Even Good Parents Make
Even the best parents are known to make mistakes. But when mistakes become a pattern it's important to weed them out! Once you identify your problem area it's easier to correct it and move on. Here... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 1-Parent Magic!
We want our children to behave. We want to keep our cool. We want a peaceful, loving family life.How do we achieve these goals? Through trial-and-error? Hit and miss? Luck? Unlikely. Through... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 4-The Power of Words
The seemingly simple things we say to our kids can affect the way they respond to us. When we repeat certain things over and over they gain the power to change our children's lives. Take a close at... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 1-Say What You Mean. Mean What You Say
I wish you'd get dressed." "I think you should start on your report." "It would be nice if you cleaned up your room." "Be good."Fuzzy statements like these leave kids wondering exactly how they should [more]
Parent Tips: Set 4-Stop that Complaining!
"Why do I have to? I did it last time! It's too hard. You're so mean!"Does it ever occur to you that the kids could do what you ask in about half the time if they quit complaining? Try a few of these... [more]
How Can I Get My Child to Stop Arguing?
Think about it: It takes two to argue. Your child cannot "argue" by himself. That's called "mumbling."Say it once: Practice stating your case, then being quiet. Ignore your child's argumentative [more]
How Do I Get My Toddler to Cooperate?
Gaining preschoolers' cooperation requires more finesse than gaining that of older children: Toddlers have not yet reached the age at which they can see and understand the whole picture. As Robert... [more]
What Do I Do When Other People's Kids Drive Me Crazy?
I think we all know one family whose children annoy us with what we see as persistent misbehavior. It puts you into a very uncomfortable position. You know you can't discipline the kids, but you want... [more]
How Can We as Parents Maintain A Happy Marriage?
Is your marriage everything you ever hoped it could be? Or has it been pushed down your list of priorities since having children? Let's face it, parenthood is a full-time job, and it dramatically... [more]
Getting Your Children To Cooperate
Question: How can I get my kids to cooperate with me? I'm constantly nagging and complaining, not that it does any good! It seems like it starts in the morning and doesn't end until they are all... [more]
Teaching Good Manners
Good manners are a very important key to your child's social success, but no child is born with good manners. Teaching them is a parents responsibility.Beyond teaching "please" and "thank you" many... [more]
The Respectful Child
Webster defines "respect" as "to show honor or esteem for. To treat with deference and regard." Implied in this definition is the fact that respect must be earned, and is given from the heart. Often... [more]
Getting Children to Write Thank You Notes
Doing the things that demonstrate good manners isn't always easy or fun. But having good manners will help your child have better friendships, happier family relationships, and an easier time... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 2 - Getting Kids to Listen
One of the hardest parts of parenting is getting our kids to listen to us, and then, of course, getting them to do what we ask!If you remember to use a few important skills this job will be much... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 2-The Super Saver Plan
Teaching our children about money is an important parental responsibility. Early lessons will have great impact on their lifetime financial habits. Here is a fun plan to help teach your kids about... [more]
How Can I Stop My Child's Backtalking?
Think about it: Backtalk is addictive, so it must be handled as a serious offense. A child who talks rudely to a parent once or twice and gets away with it will continue the behavior, and it will... [more]
Should My Kids Do Chores?
Assigning children household chores is one of the best ways to build self-esteem and a feeling of competence. Regular chores establish helpful habits and good attitudes about work. Having chores also... [more]
How Do I Get My Child to Cooperate?
Think about it: This is the number one-complaint of parents around the globe. It's a biggie - purely because there are so many things we must get our kids to do (or not do!). If you're waiting for... [more]
How Do I Get My Children to Stop Interrupting?
Think about it: Many parents admonish kids for interrupting, but in the same breath they respond to the child's interrupted request! Interrupting is habit forming. Like many annoying behaviors, once... [more]
How Can We Ease First-born Jealousy?
A: Think about it: Before the baby entered your family, your toddler was told he'd have a wonderful little brother to play with, and how much fun it would be. Then the little brother is born and your... [more]
How Can I Help My Child Develop A Positive Attitude?
During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we... [more]
How Can I Get My Child to Stop Whining?
Think about it: Talk about fingernails on a blackboard! Whining has got to be the ultimate in annoying childhood behavior. Because a whining child sounds worse than a frenzied siren alarm we tend to... [more]
Separation Anxiety
Situation: My child is afraid to leave my side to try new things or play with other children. How do I help him become more independent?Think about it: It's a big world out there. Some kids jump... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 1-Food Fight!
I'm hungry! I'm not hungry! I hate that! Can I have a snack? Food is at the center of many arguments. Most often parents and children are operating under separate agendas when it comes to food. We... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 1 - Winning the Chore War
"How many times do I have to remind you to take out the trash?" Sound familiar? Household jobs are a part of every family's daily life, yet they tend to create ongoing conflict. Give yourself a pat... [more]
Managing Morning Madness
Are your mornings rushed, chaotic and disorganized? Then it's time to get control and make morning a good start to a wonderful day! When your morning activities run smoothly, and you're out the door... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 2 - Angry Kid, Calm Parent
Your child is furious! Yelling, stomping and losing control. How do you react?Many parents automatically respond with their own anger. Typically a parent will scold, yell or punish. This doesn't help. [more]
Parent Tips: Set 3 - Lighten Up! With These Ideas for Family Fun
Pick one day this month and serve ice cream sundaes for dinner. Make sure you add bananas, strawberries and nuts to include the various food groups! Surprise the kids! Of course you wouldn't do this... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 2-The Family Pet
Pets can be a wonderful addition to family life, but they can also cause disaster. These ideas can make your pet experience a good one: Choose the right time Just because the neighbor [more]
Parent Tips: Set 1-Ending Homework Hassles
Experts give the following advice for the most effective approach to homework success:Give the child responsibility and ownership of his homework.This is one time in parenting when you can [more]
"I Already Have One of These!"
Question: I just attended a friend's child's birthday party and was shocked by the responses the child gave as he opened his gifts. "I already have one of these." "This isn't the one I wanted." After... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 4-Other People's Kids
Do you have a friend, relative or neighbor with kids who drive you crazy with their misbehavior?I think we all know one family that fits this description. It puts you into a very uncomfortable... [more]
Danny the Disrespectful Kid
Danny walks in the door after school the way he usually does: muddy footprints, abandoned backpack, half-eaten lunch, and jacket trailing him on the floor. His mother looks up at him, making that... [more]
Taming those Awful Tantrums
Question: Yes, yes, I know, "Temper tantrums are a normal childhood reaction to anger and frustration." Knowing this does not make it easier when my daughter's ballistic contortions are punctuated by... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 1-Swearing
It's shocking to hear your child swear, even worse when it's directed at you. How do you stop this behavior???It helps to know where the swearing comes from. There are several possible reasons why... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 1-Tantrums
When children feel angry, frustrated or helpless, the result is a often a tantrum. Little kids kick, scream and flop on the ground. Big kids yell and lose control. Tantrums are normal, natural and... [more]
Positive Thinking for Children
During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we... [more]
Encouraging a Child to Read
Situation: My child doesn't like to read, and will only do the bare minimum required to get though his homework. I know that fluency in reading is important to his success in school. How do I... [more]
Setting Rules and Consequences with Teens
Rules and consequences are critical to negotiating your way through the teen years. Both the rules and the consequences may change as your teen's needs (and desires) develop. It helps to ask yourself... [more]
What Our Words and Actions are Really Telling Our Children
Casual RemarksIt's a curious affliction: the tendency to talk about one's children in the most brutally honest and hurtful ways without realizing that the cherished subjects of the offensive comments... [more]
Get Your Toddler to Cooperate!
Preschoolers require more finesse to gain their cooperation, because they have not yet reached the age at which they can see and understand the whole picture. Robert Scotellaro is quoted in The Funny... [more]
When Your Child Suffers from Low Self Esteem
Situation: I'm beginning to suspect that my child's negative behavior is due to a lack of self confidence and low self esteem. How do I help him feel good about himself?Think about it: It's routine... [more]
All You Need to Know about Birthday Parties
PlanningKeep it simple.At all ages, simple events tend to be successful and more fun. Complicated parties usually require extensive planning with little additional fun-value. What's most i [more]
Gimmee!
Winter's first snow promised more than a change in the weather: it heralded the fast approach of the holidays-and the annual gift-shopping ritual. Ken and Shelley decided that today was as good as... [more]
Parent Tips: Set 1-Time Out!
As we go about the business of teaching our children proper behavior, there are times when emotions threaten to get out of control. When this happens, it's wise to separate yourself from your child... [more]
