ScottCounseling

It’s hard for a parent to say “no” when everything our children see in our culture today promotes “yes.” Advertising companies make and spend billions of dollars every year to get us to say “yes.” Our classroom teachers, who have been trained to say “no” in a variety of acceptable ways, have been replaced by Hollywood writers, video game producers, the music industry and other business cultures promoting “yes.”

“Yes “Is In and “No” Is Out

Unless you and your family live in a home built in a remote part of the country, where there are no billboards, televisions, radios, Internet, mail and other modes of advertising, your children will be exposed to hundreds of promotional ads each day. In fact… Continue Reading

At least one in five children under the age of 18 is overweight. Children who grow up overweight have a tendency to develop a lower self-esteem, avoid improving social skills and often find it difficult to achieve at a higher academic standard. Below are some parenting tips that parents can may want to consider to help a child experiencing weight concerns:

1. Be Supportive

One of the most important things you can do to help overweight children is to let them know that they are okay whatever their weight. Children’s feelings about themselves often are based on their parents’ feelings about them. If you accept your children at any weight, they will be more likely to accept and feel good about themselves… Continue Reading

In the United States at least one child in five is overweight and the number of overweight children continues to grow. Over the last 2 decades, this number has increased by more than 50 percent, and the number of “extremely” overweight children has nearly doubled (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995: 149: 1085-91). A doctor determines if children are overweight by measuring their height and weight. Although children have fewer weight-related health problems than adults, overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults. Overweight adults are at risk for… Continue Reading

Parenting With Love

Accept your child as is. Don’t try to make your child into another person that he or she does not want to be. It common for children to strive to be someone different than their parents. It’s also common for children become more like their parents, as they grow older. Love your child for who he or she is now!

There are many things that a parent can do to show his or her love for a child. Experts in the area of child psychology say it’s as easy as saying, “I love you” to a child. Other ways to show your love may include the following:

Attend your child’s activities. You don’t… Continue Reading

Morality and Parenting

Part of our education as we grow and develop as human-beings is to establish a set of beliefs. Many of our beliefs and character traits pivot around our moral values. One of the benefits of raising children is not only passing on our family history and cultural beliefs, but moral beliefs, as well. Children, as early as the age of two, begin to understand the concepts of right and wrong. This article will help you, the parent, with some beginning talking points to begin discussing moral values with your child.

Possible Topics to Discuss:

• Your child sees cheating occurring at school.
• Your child witnesses drugs being sold at school.
• Your child finds some money or a valuable item

Discuss with your child that you feel he or she is at a developmental stage in life capable of making “this” decision. Take time to discuss the decision that is being considered, what they feel the outcome will be and what options are available if the decision is correct, or incorrect. Helping your child list options on paper, discussing pros and cons and select options that are safe and have some chance to succeed is important.

Many parents worry too much about helping their child make a decisions that will always lead to success. Decisions making that leads to failure can be appropriate and meaningful as long as the child is not placing him or… Continue Reading

Self-esteem is just that… SELF esteem! Self refers to the person who owns or possesses his or her own esteem. Is it possible to build someone else’s esteem? Parents, educators and child psychology and behavioral specialist have all pondered that question. Here are some self-esteem factors for parents to consider.

Signs That Your Child Has Poor Self-Esteem

• Your child gives up easily