amy@daretoparent.com

There isn't one "right" way to parent. When couples can't agree on discipline and family rules, parenting can be stressful

If you were to ask a room full of parents, "Which stage of parenting is the hardest?" Most would answer, "The teen years!" Kids are fighting for independence and freedom while parents are trying to guide them and keep them safe. Talk about a tug-of-war! So, what's really going on? Everything is in transition at the same time. Our kids are changing from the “babies” who needed us to teens who are now pushing us away. We are having to change how we approach discipline becau

Negativity. The challenge in all relationships. It's so easy to get caught up in the cycle of seeing only what our partner does wrong. While it may feel good at the moment, it does nothing to resolve any of the conflicts we may be experiencing. While working with a couple who is in the middle of a divorce, I noticed most of their focus was on what is wrong with the other person. "Dean never does ...", "Sarah can't do..." On and on it went. They said they wanted to co-paren

This is it, the time of year when the shift from school schedules to summer fun begins! While the first weeks of summer break are fun, we know this “honeymoon phase” won’t last. Soon enough cries of, ‘I’m bored” will be ringing in your ears. “How do we make it through the summer without losing my sanity?” Well, while I can’t exactly help with all of the issues in this one blog, I will give you a few tips to get your summer started smoothly. Hopefully by setting the found

Whether your a mom or stepmom I think you'll agree that parenting should come with a warning label that says, "Congrats, your life is about to change in ways you can't even imagine! Here's an instruction manual and a giant box of dark chocolate, you'll need both." (Some of you would exchange wine for chocolate, that's fine with me! lol) I remember my first moments of motherhood, there were tears and laughter and a sense of amazement. I was so excited, look what we create

Parenting...sometimes the struggles have NOTHING to do with the kids! Jim says, "If she would just set the rules and stick with them, the kids would behave better." To which Sue replies, "Me?! How about you stop nagging at everyone? The kids will get their chores done eventually." Parenting isn't easy, especially when each parent has a different parenting style! Each parent believes they are right, so what can we do to settle this conflict? Going backwards to move forward...