Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

Now here’s the revelation! After introducing “My Wall of Strength” project to the girls this is what I ALWAYS hear: “This is weird, I never talk about myself this way.” “I usually focus on other people and what is good about them, not me.” “It feels funny to describe myself in a positive way.” “It [...]

Posted on February 08, 2011 by admin

Are you tired of the constant power struggles between you and your girl?  Are you frustrated by watching the same negative patterns of nagging, blaming, hating, judging and criticizing unfold before your eyes?  Do you feel like you’ve hit a brick wall and have no idea what to do next?  I understand, so many of [...]

Posted on December 06, 2010 by admin

Hey we’re learning too and each child is different. Admit your own confusion and mistakes. Apologize when appropriate. Show your daughter that just like them, you too are also “a work in progress.”  What a great way to model compassion, understanding and flexibility. Did you feel understood by adults when you were a child/teen? If [...]

Posted on November 17, 2010 by admin

Praise shows that you noticed her efforts. It also promotes a feeling of competency. There is simple praise that most of us are aware of, good game, great job, you’re a great helper, etc. And then there is praise that goes a level deeper.  Praise that truly recognizes us for who we really are, in [...]

Posted on November 09, 2010 by admin

Begin to understand that your girl genuinely feels strongly about the challenges in her child/teen world. Although it might seem trivial to you (“It’s one bad hair day, you can’t always get what you want”), right now, in this stage of her life, it is all consuming. So how do we help and support her [...]

Posted on November 01, 2010 by admin

Sometimes just the act of creating more opportunity for our girls to accept some responsibility shows them that we have faith in their ability and can set the stage for further progress. Start by picking one area of responsibility for your girl to work on. Maybe it is waking up on her own, making her [...]

Posted on October 22, 2010 by admin

 Do something totally out of the ordinary with your girl. Looking back I can remember standing on those ridiculous lines when the latest craze doll or toy came out. One time I remember going in the middle of the night with my entire family. We were breaking all the rules. We shook the tree and [...]

Posted on October 08, 2010 by admin

 When we are truly listening to someone whether it is our daughter, coworker, partner or friend it is important to listen to understand what they are experiencing rather than listening based on our own personal agenda. Next time you listen try putting your personal agenda aside for a few minutes and really listen to understand [...]

Posted on October 04, 2010 by admin

A key challenge in parenting your pre-teen to teenage girl is to remain emotionally connected while granting her more privacy and autonomy.  As she changes, your parenting may have to shift and change as well.  In this stage our girls begin to reach a period in their development when a separation from their parents naturally [...]

Posted on September 27, 2010 by admin

Yup it is true. Just like the rest of us, your daughter wants to be respected and heard. Be a “safe” and available person to talk to. Offer space and time to have her thoughts and opinions heard. Even if you don’t agree with them, you are allowing them to be heard and allowing her [...]