Character Building from KidsDiscuss.com

Parenting Tips for Money, Blackmail, and Character

If a fool and his money are soon parted, don't be that fool. Inside you'll find 3 parenting tips for teaching your child to earn money by not spending yours.

3 Ways to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and Build Character Too:

If your child blackmails you with angry looks when you don't give her what she wants, don't be afraid of offending her. Don't dig deep in your pockets and hand her money for her poor behavior. Why?

Handing over money to avoid pouting is blackmail. It doesn't build character either. Be strong. Put your money where your mouth is by saying these 3 parenting tips:

1. "Let's discuss what extra chores you're willing to do for the money."

Chances are there's plenty of extra work to do at your house. Why not post a list of extra chores on the refrigerator your child could do?

2. "If you want money for chores, there are standards you need to achieve."

You might tell your child she'll earn one point for each of the following:

• Neatness
• Thoroughness
• No complaining
• Starting without being told

3. "You did a good job. I like how you – (give a specific compliment if your child did a good job.)"

If you're child only earned 2 points then give her half the money she asked for.

Be honest.

Be frugal.

Be realistic.

Parenting Tips Conclusion for Money, Blackmail, and Character:

Don't give her too much money for minor jobs. Make sure the jobs you give her are age-appropriate. Stop the blackmail, the pouting, the whining, and the angry looks. Be strong. Be consistent. When she knows you won't give in, you'll be building character. She'll stop blackmailing you too.

Your Personal Invitation:

How do you get your child to cooperate and earn money? Please leave a suggestion, question, or comment at Jean Tracy's Email or click on Comments below.

Subscribe to Jean Tracy's Free Parenting Newsletter at www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

Pick up Jean's Chore Chart Kit for raising responsible children. A list of age-appropriate chores is included. You'll be glad you did.

 

 

 

 

Parents and ADD: Avoid This Mistake!

What do you do when your ADD child won't co-operate? Let's say you pick your child up from daycare after you've worked hard all day. Now you need to fix dinner, do laundry, and supervise homework. Imagine your 8-year-old fighting the homework. You're tired. He can't sit still. What can you do?

Ask yourself, "What does my child need? What do I need?"

Listen, you and your child have been apart all day. You both need time with each other. Before you plow into all that work, why not sit down with your son? Consider cuddling, eating a snack together, and finding out how his day went. Share something from your day too. Laugh together.

Give him the super "Triple A Recipe" that only you can give:

1. Attention – Your attention tells him you care about him.
2. Approval – Your approval is exactly what he wants, even if he has the wiggles.
3. Appreciation – Your appreciation for at least one thing in his day will lift his spirits. He may want to co-operate with you too.

Don't Make This Mistake:

Rush home. Throw yourself into piles of work. Expect your wiggle worm to sit down and do homework. This is a recipe for disaster.

Relax with your child. Give him what he needs – the Triple A recipe of attention, approval, and appreciation. He'll glow and you'll feel refreshed. After spending bonding time with your child, you can both get about your chores.

Your Personal Invitation:

How do you get your ADD child to cooperate and do homework? Please leave a suggestion, question, or comment at Jean Tracy's Email or click on Comments below.

Subscribe to Jean Tracy's Free Parenting Newsletter at www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

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