K: 8 simple tools for raising great Kids #AtoZChallenge
Have you ever read a book or an article that sucker punched you? You know the kind I mean: the content hits right at home and makes you reflect upon yourself or your actions and the way you’ve been behaving.
With four kids, I find myself questioning my parenting skills. Just today, I had a sort of out of body experience as I yelled. Yes, I yelled. When I remember the moment, I’m not proud. Tired? Yes. Proud? No.
Dr. Todd Cartmell’s new book, 8 simple tools for raising great kids, is just what I need to help talk me back off the ledge that is parenting.
In his book, Dr. Cartmell discusses 8 basic strategies we as parents can use. The first is “Talking.” He discusses the importance of talking with our children rather than at them. He explains the need to be present in their lives. And then he discusses the phenomenon of being “easy to listen to.”
And that’s where I was sucker punched. One of my parenting weaknesses is losing my cool in a moment of stress. My kids know that when I get loud, I really, really, really mean what I’m saying and things are likely to get ugly.
But after reading Dr. Cartmell’s book, I’m realizing that I could come at this in an entirely new way. If I use the 8 simple tools, I’m likely to not need to scream and yell and turn red.
His 8 tools are Talking, Listening, Influencing, Connecting, Teaching, Encouraging, Correcting, and Leading. Each is do-able with his practical strategies and tips.
Dr. Todd Cartmell is a child psychologist and father, so he is certainly knowledgeable on the topic at hand. What he writes is easy to read and understand, and the chapters are short enough to fit one in every day whether it’s with your cup of coffee or right before going to bed.
Be sure to check out 8 simple tools for raising great kids, and purchase your own now at 50% off (April 15 through May 15, 2016) with discount code GREATKIDS16.
I received a copy of this product free in exchange for my honest review.
I lose my cool more often that I’d like, but lately I’ve really been forcing myself to take a deep breath and see if a hug would solve things better than a raised voice. It usually does!
You’re right. It does. I’ve also started trying to head things off at the pass (is that the right phrase?!) by explaining why something must be a certain way instead of reacting when they haven’t read my mind!