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Articles from Erin Kurt | Selfgrowth.com
- 15 Parenting Strategies that Prevent the Need for Discipline - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtThere are two ways you can approach parenting: one, from a reactive place and two, from a proactive place. Although you need to know and consistently use a simple, loving and effective discipline approach like I teach my clients, it is important, if not crucial, to learn proactive ways of ...
Views: 1282 - 10 FUN Things to Do With The Kids on Spring Break - by Submitted on Jun 12, 2013 from Erin KurtSpring Break is here and the kids are off. Many parents begin to panic at how they will fill their child’s time. So, they source out a bunch of outings they can take their kids on. Ah...Now the only down time they’ll have to manage is from dinner till bedtime. “Keep them busy!” is everyone’s ...
Views: 1251 - can I make time for me and not feel guilty? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtMoms, let me share something with you. In order to be a great mother you MUST nourish yourself. Once you do this, you will have the energy, enthusiasm and patience to be that great mom you truly want to be. This may seem contradictory to what your brain is telling you – isn’t it child first, ...
Views: 941 - 3 Phrases to Get Your Child to Listen to You Instantly - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtHave you ever wished you had the perfect words to say when your child misbehaved? How many of you have had the experience where you are at the grocery store and your child keeps begging you to buy something, and no matter how many times you explain or say an outright, “NO!” they continue? ...
Views: 1182 - 7 Things Working Moms Can Do With Their Kids - by Submitted on Jun 10, 2013 from Erin KurtThe one thing working moms have in common is that they’re busy ladies with a lot on their plate. The second thing they have in common is that they feel guilty a lot of the time. One of the main sources of that guilt comes from the feeling that they don’t have time to spend quality moments with ...
Views: 1257 - Bullying: What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied or Is the Bully - Part 3 - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtBully...someone who gets pleasure from inflicting physical or emotional pain on another. Throughout this 4 Part Series we've discussed who a bully is and realized that there are no stereotypes of exactly who can be a bully. We also discovered the reasons why people bully. Now, I want to ...
Views: 1115 - Bullying: Why Kids Bully? Part 2 - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtLast week I talked about who and what a bully is. In that article we discovered that there are NO stereotypes when it comes to a bully; they can BE anybody and LOOK like anybody. We also differentiated the difference between bullying and two people fighting or having an argument. This week I’m ...
Views: 1250 - Bullying: Who and What is a Bully? Part 1 - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtThis week my son started a conversation with me out of the blue; something was on his mind and bothering him. He began by saying, “There’s a naughty boy at school. He’s bigger than me and older than me.” “Why is he naughty?” I asked. “Well, he doesn’t let me do things.” “Like ...
Views: 1350 - Working Mothers: How to Save Time Doing Laundry - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtHave you ever walked down to the basement, saw piles of laundry in the corner of your eye, felt a pit in your stomach at how behind you are then tried to forget about it so you didn’t have to feel overwhelmed anymore? This is a common story that working moms talk to me about; it’s their ...
Views: 1224 - The BIG Secret to Getting Your Kids to Behave - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtEver wonder why some days your kids just seem to test you, rebel against you or resist everything you ask of them? That happened to me a couple of days ago and I want to share with you how I resolved this issue. My family has been on holidays for the past two weeks. Due to a variety of life ...
Views: 1126 - A Great Routine For School-Aged Children - by Submitted on Jun 12, 2013 from Erin KurtHere's a question to ask yourself: Are parents who take their children to many after-school classes better parents than those who don't? Thought provoking, isn't it? With the amount of choices that exist today, parents feel pressured to send their children to music class, dance class, ...
Views: 4978 - Christmas Gift Guide for Your Family - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtWondering how to make Christmas morning a hit for your child without breaking the bank or bringing in more brightly colored plastic toys to your house? I have some time- tested ideas for you! I'll list them according to the age of your children. Some items listed will be of interest to all ages, ...
Views: 1313 - Which Gifts Are Naughty and Which Ones Are Nice? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtIf you celebrate Christmas then you're going to love the ideas given here. You will be guaranteed that your child will love the present they receive and but can also be assured that the gift you are giving is appropriate, meaningful, and will help your child explore their own sense of curiosity ...
Views: 1086 - 6 Tell Tale Signs of Stress and What to Do About Them - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtAccording to a recent survey, stress affects 30% + of the population on a daily basis. Too much stress can contribute to a long list of health problems as well as family problems. The good news is that there is plenty you can do to help get balance back into your life. The Tell Tale Signs of ...
Views: 915 - How to Have a Wonderful Family Holiday Without Going into Debt - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtThis time of year can bring loads of happiness and joy however it can also bring loads of stress and anxiety, particularly for parents. Is there a way to authentically celebrate the holidays without feeling stressed and going into debt? Absolutely! There are many ways to take the focus off ...
Views: 851 - 10 Things to Do While Your Kids Are at Camp - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtYour kids are away at camp and although you thought you’d be using this time to flop on the sofa and vegetate, you find yourself ancy, walking around, wondering what to do with all this time on your hands! The very fact that you have some extra time is, funny enough, stressing you out! You ...
Views: 963 - How to Simplify Your Life With Kids - Part 2 Rhythm - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtIf I asked you what a typical day for your family looks like, what would you say? Often times when I ask parents this question most say, “There is no typical”. Family life today is more about randomness and improvisation than rhythm. Wednesday wash day? Snack and milk after school? Sunday ...
Views: 1157 - Why Children Misbehave: 8 Reasons and 8 Solutions - by Submitted on Jun 12, 2013 from Erin KurtOne of the most common expressions parents can be heard saying is, “I don’t understand why he’s/she’s doing that”. There are eight, very common reasons why children misbehave. It is extremely useful for parents to know these because if they can pinpoint the root cause of the misbehaviour, they ...
Views: 1395 - How Can I Teach My Child Respect? - by Submitted on Jun 10, 2013 from Erin KurtA common theme over the past 20 years has been how much children have changed from when we were growing up in terms of how they show respect. I know that for the most part in the 1960's, anyone in a position of authority commanded respect which included parents, teachers, police officers, ...
Views: 865 - 4 Tips for Spending Time With Your Children When You Have No Time - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtWhen one of my newest coaching clients came to me a month ago, she was nearing her whit's end. Cody, her 7-year-old son, was talking back to the teacher at school and getting into arguments with friends. "It's been getting worse over the last year or so since my daughter, Kayla, was born. I ...
Views: 995 - The 7 Reasons Your Family is Stressed Out - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtWe often hear people saying, “Gosh, life is more difficult than when we were kids.” Yes, it is very different in terms of how global the world has become and how the world feels faster-paced. This pace is what has caused parents to feel so overwhelmed by their responsibilities. From my ...
Views: 925 - 3 Sneaky Ways to Find Me -Time - by Submitted on Jun 10, 2013 from Erin KurtEvery mom wants more me time. In fact some mom tell me they don't remember when they last had some! Luckily, there are some sneaky ways that you can find and enjoy some well deserved time by yourself. Here are just a few ideas: 1) Create an alone time or me time hour each day. Perhaps ...
Views: 1180 - How to Teach Children Good Manners - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtGood manners are the backbone of a civilized society and make interacting with people a joy. Manners also create a strong first impression, and they pave the way to good jobs, smooth relations with family and friends, and an easier time out in the real world. The lesson here? Make it a ...
Views: 1160 - Say "Yes" As Often As You Can - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtOur role as a parent is to guide our children through life which means setting boundaries and saying “No” quite often. I would like to suggest a slightly different approach, or at least one that puts the emphasis in a different area. Here’s what I mean. My approach to dealing with children ...
Views: 1626 - How to Get Your Children to Talk About Their Day - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtDoes trying to get your children to open up about their day feel like an inquisition? Do you feel like you’re giving your child the third degree to tell you anything about their life? If so, here are some simple, effective ways you can help your child open up and share more about their day and ...
Views: 1001 - What Does it Take to Sustain a Happy and Successful Relationship or Marriage? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtRelationships are a topic I thoroughly enjoy researching and discussing, specifically one between a husband and wife. It is, in fact, one of the most significant connections we will ever have, one that can impact our lives for better or worse. What helps sustain a relationship is continuing ...
Views: 1916 - A Checklist for Parents - How Are We Doing? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtSummer is a great time to relax and enjoy our families, but it can also be a great time for some reflection. Use a prviate, quiet moment this summer to reflect on how your year as a parent has been. The checklist below will help you with this process. It will allow you to see where you might ...
Views: 1165 - Time-Outs - Solutions to the 4 Most Commonly Asked Questions - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtSince the success of the program "Supernanny", many parents have begun using time-outs in one way or another. While they are finding time-outs to be very effective, parents often have the same questions regarding certain problems they encounter. Here are solutions to the top 4 most commonly ...
Views: 1042 - Establishing Independent Play -Time - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtUsually parents expect to play with their baby - quite a lot at first, and then increasingly less as they grow older. However, if you are the parent of a toddler or preschooler, you may have learned that the more you play - the more they want, until some children simply do not know what to do ...
Views: 1511 - Teaching Children Respect... and more - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtEvery responsible human being has acquired certain virtues useful in getting along with others. Topping the list are kindness, being responsible, friendliness, charity, honesty, trustworthiness, compassion and respect for others. All are reasonable and desirable tools for successful living. ...
Views: 961 - 20 Ways to Reinforce Good Behaviour - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtWhy is it easier to say something to our kids when we’re angry at them than when they are doing what we want them to do? Picture a lazy Sunday afternoon and you’re reading your favourite magazine while sipping a cup of tea. Your children are in the next room playing a game together, having a ...
Views: 1678 - What is the BEST Way to Raise Children? Part 3 - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtHere's a question to ask yourself: Is a family who is constantly out and about, going here and there, attending music classes and swimming lessons, etc. better than one who stays home most evenings, and doesn't have their children in a bunch of different classes? Thought provoking, isn't ...
Views: 1152 - What is the BEST Way to Raise Children? Part 2 - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtHere's a question to ask yourself: Is a family that is constantly out and about, going here and there, attending music classes and swimming lessons, etc. better than one who stays home most evenings, and doesn't have their children in a bunch of different classes? Thought provoking, isn't ...
Views: 1059 - What is the BEST Way to Raise Children? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtHere's a question to ask yourself: Is a family that is constantly out and about, going here and there, attending music classes and swimming lessons, etc. better than one who stays home most evenings, and doesn't have their children in a bunch of different classes? Thought provoking, isn't ...
Views: 1145(1 vote) - Taming Your Toddler's Tantrums - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtMost parents of children under the age of three realize quickly that the best way to handle a tantrum is by ignoring it. They find out that the number of tantrums and their length or intensity will decrease once they learn to walk away. However, after a child turns three and those temper ...
Views: 1114(1 vote) - No Emotion? What Do You Mean No Emotion!!! - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtThe most important part of discipline is the one most people struggle with- staying calm and speaking without emotion. Misbehaviour rarely occurs at a time when we are relaxing on the sofa or enjoying an activity with our children. It usually occurs while we are busy or occupied with ...
Views: 1190(1 vote) - Always Stressing Over Family Meals? Here's Your Solution! - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtThe time is 5 o'clock and your stomach clentches - what to make for dinner is the question racing through your mind. You know you want to prepare healthy meals for your family, but you are tired and do not have all the ingredients for your favourite "go to" recipe, so you pull out the frozen ...
Views: 1213(1 vote) - How to Ensure your Child Feels Loved - Part 3 - Through Focused Attention - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtIn Part 1 and 2 of this article series, I spoke about eye contact and physical contact being important to making your children truly understand and know that you love them. These two things seldom require real sacrifice by parents, however, the third item, focused attention, usually scares ...
Views: 1240(1 vote) - How to Ensure Your Child Feels Loved: Part 2- Through Physical Contact - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtWhat kind of physical contact do most parents use with their child? It seems obvious, doesn’t it? A hug. We hug our child because we love them and we hope they feel this love. However, what if I told you that there is other physical contact that can be even more powerful in terms of showing our ...
Views: 1187(1 vote) - How to Ensure Your Child Feels Loved: Part 1 - Through Eye Contact - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtAlmost every study I know indicates that every child wants to know of his parents, “ Do you love me?” and that a child asks this emotional question mostly in his behaviour, seldom verbally. By a child’s behaviour he/she tells us what he/she needs, whether it’s more love, more discipline, more ...
Views: 1177(1 vote) - The Secret to Helping Your Child Excel in School and in Life - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtIs your child struggling in school? Does your child stall when it comes time to do homework? Does your child's teacher often comment that your child is capable, but is just not working to his or her potential? Or, does your child do alright in school, but seems a bit bored or lacks enthusiasm ...
Views: 1016(1 vote) - Scheduling One on One Time - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtOne of the most encouraging things a parent can do for their child is to spend regular, scheduled time with them. Many parents may think they already spend a lot of time with their children, however there is a difference between "family time", "have-to time" and "scheduled special ...
Views: 1101 - The One Thing That MUST Be On Your Holiday To Do List - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtWe often think that the holidays are for spending quality time with our family, carrying out traditions and enjoying time at home with the ones we love the most. Although the holidays are truly a special time for our families, so should it be for you and you alone. For most of us, we make ...
Views: 948 - 5 Steps to a Happy, Stress-Free Halloween - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtWell, we’re all prepared and everyone is excited. In order to continue this bliss, there are 5 steps you will want to take to ensure that your kids do not fall down the slippery slope of sugar highs, tiredness and tantrums. Step 1: Have an easy, but healthy dinner prepared like soup and ...
Views: 1445 - Family Vacations - 10 Ways to Make Sure They Run Smoothly - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtFamily vacations are supposed to be fun, but many times parents dread them because they feel out of their comfort zone when their children misbehave; they know their discipline options are limited and having to apply consequences in public is for some, quite embarrassing. When at home, ...
Views: 1186 - The 3 Most Common Discipline Strategies and Why They Don't Work - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtHave you ever talked sweetly to your child trying to explain that what they are doing is not very nice? What about the opposite? Have you ever yelled at your child out of frustration and hoped that by seeing you so angry your child would naturally want to stop their naughty behaviour? Or, how ...
Views: 1216(2 votes) - How to Change Stressful Dinners With Kids Into Precious Family Time - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtMeal times are one of the cornerstones of your daily routine. They can be the most joyous part of your day or the most dreaded part of your day. When you have small children it is very important that you be consistent and that they sit down to eat at roughly the same times every day. It's ...
Views: 1106(1 vote) - How to Get Your Husband (or Wife) to Help Out More - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtParenting can be full on - if you're a single parent you know this well. Beyond work, there are many details to take care of: banking, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, disciplining, etc. Many moms I coach tell me they feel overwhelmed and when I dig deeper I find that one of the reasons they ...
Views: 1177(1 vote) - 3 Ways to Help an Older Sibling Deal With Having a New Baby in the House - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtHas your older child been overly aggressive or desperate for attention since your new baby arrived? This situation can be very stressful for a tired mom and dad, however it needn't be. Here are a few tips on how to turn this tiring situation around. 1 ) Schedule one-on-one time with the older ...
Views: 1295(1 vote) - How to Know If Your Child Is Stressed and What to Do If They Are - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2013 from Erin KurtDoes your child often get sick or do they constantly whine and cry? Do they bite their nails, act out or often throw tantrums? Then your child may be stressed. Here is a simple guide on how to handle this and change things around for the better. The first step is to stay calm. If you become ...
Views: 1237(2 votes)