By Sarah Chana Radcliffe
Do your kids know how they affect the people they interact with?
Most kids aren't born knowing how to make others feel good. In fact, most kids are just concerned about how THEY feel and may not even think about the feelings of others - unless, of course, YOU point them out to them. Start with your own. "Thank you for helping bring in the groceries sweetheart - it's such a good feeling to have a helper like you around!" Let kids know they can have a positive impact on others because this will bring them much happiness and success in their lives.
You have to go beyond parenting in order to have a relationship with your child...
With all kids - and especially teens - make sure you do more than "parent talk" (instructions, warnings, preaching, teaching, setting boundaries, supervising etc.). In order to build a RELATIONSHIP, you need to have enjoyable, stress-free and nag-free conversations. Talk about things that they'll be interested in. Talk about the world, inventions, science, the news, psychology, inspirational stories, recipes, books, hobbies, ideas, plans - share your thoughts and listen carefully to theirs.
