by Dr. Jane Bluestein Counselors know that when parents set clear boundaries, they take care of their teens and themselves. An earlier version of this article first appeared in the counseling magazine, Adolescence (March 1994), to support the work of counselors and therapists working with parents and families. Talk to the parents of any teenager and Read More

by Dr. Jane Bluestein A Win-Win Alternative to an Authoritarian or Permissive Approach Few of us are especially adept at setting boundaries with anyone, and for good reason. Let’s back up a bit. When you were growing up, were you told that other people’s needs were more important than yours? Were you rewarded for self-sacrificing Read More

  by Dr. Jane Bluestein Practical tips for parents and caregivers • Choices, like boundaries, are motivational tools that encourage cooperation through input and empowerment. Offer choices in the absence of desirable child behavior, to encourage your child to perform a particular behavior he or she is not currently demonstrating. • Choices can help you avoid Read More

  by Dr. Jane Bluestein …And why they are better than rules Boundaries are tools for building cooperation in relationships, for letting others know what you want, and for letting them know which options are available to them (for getting what they want). Set boundaries when you want behaviors to change and wish to avoid Read More

Helicopter parents hover so near to their children so often they are never allowed to make mistakes; thus disempowering their child. Although we all want to prevent serious injury or permanent mistakes, it isn’t wise to head off every serious event. It is good for them to learn such lessons as: Peers can wound you Read More

  By Maxine Marsolini Modeling, communicating verbally, and offering real-life opportunities will form within your children the discipline and habit they need to faithfully handle money their entire lives.[1] ― Howard Dayton Summer puts school on hold but learning shouldn’t stop. Use these days to instill money smarts. Parents know it’s easier to pull the Read More

  Ever have a gut feeling while raising children? Listen to it! I named him Chester. A plucky little Canada goose that was given to me shortly after he’d been rescued. He came to live with us as a pre-teen, and no one was sure what this little scruff was as he scrambled between my feet everywhere Read More