If you’re raising “that kid,” hang in there

This kid that made me want to pull my hair out is now the grown-up kid who makes my heart sing. Sometimes the most challenging kids to raise turn out to be incredible adults. If you’re raising “that kid,” hang in there. Don’t give up. They’re worth it.

Can you really force your child to behave?

Forcing your child to behave may seem like the best approach now, but what happens when you develop a pattern of needing your child to behave for you to be calm? You then give your child tremendous power. They now have a bit of control over your emotions.

Ugh…I just need a break!

Do you want to guess how many unused spa gift certificates I have laying around somewhere? Most days, it’s just unrealistic to slip away for a half-day or more. But, hey, I’d be happy to go to the bathroom uninterrupted.

Don’t Make This Mistake

Do you ever find yourself trying to hide what’s presumptively “wrong” with your kids or your families? If so, Oh Honey, believe me when I say…you’re not alone. Perhaps you have a screaming, whining, demanding four-year-old. 

I’ve gotta confess…

Have you ever been annoyed with the younger version of yourself who made life decisions early on that are now a pain to live with?  Our younger selves have such a huge impact on our education, our geographies, our career paths, our partners, how we’re willing to be treated, the roles we take on, and […]

Please take good care of my boy

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.staging3.kerrystutzman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IWasGoingtoRunAway-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”IWasGoingtoRunAway” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] We parents all want our kids, when they’re teens, to be able to come to us with their struggles, don’t we? And […]

Preparing Kids for the Real World

Last week, I talked about how we cannot force our children to behave any more than someone can force us to drive the speed limit, pay our bills, or show up to work on time. Yes, there are consequences if we don’t, but can anyone really force us? Does that mean we have to surrender […]

Energy Drain: Consequences for Children

Consequences for Children: In our fast-paced world, none of us has the time or energy to use this parenting style. 

 Instead of approaching parenting this way, Love and Logic parents try to keep it simple. For one reason, something that is simple is something that we can remember during stressful times. 

 Love and Logic parents find it easy to remember that anything that causes a problem for the parent drains energy from the parent. That energy needs to be replaced in some way.

Parenting teens is challenging

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/defiance.jpg” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_text=”Holding your ground with a defiant teen” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] No matter who you are It was a typical drive to school with my 15 year old today. We started off pleasantly. Then I started running through […]