Forward by Frances J. Harvey, Office Manager
Ina Creekbaum, M.S. MFT Intern, invites us to look at this age in a unique way as she gives us a refresher on parenting. Ina works with individuals - children, adolescents, and adults. She also specializes in couples, and families. Her areas of special focus include: grief/loss; depression; anxiety; play therapy and childhood issues such as bedwetting and ADHD. She strives to help people realize that the grass is always greenest where you water it.
Ina is available to see clients in Chino Hills and Riverside. You can call our office at 800-998-6329 and ask to schedule an appointment with Ina. If you are not near these areas, we have over 30 locations and can schedule an appointment for you today. You can also check out website at www.turningpointcounseling.org/locations
PARENTING REFRESHER by Ina Creekbaum, M.S. MFT Intern
We as parents try to our best. We want to give our children the best of everything. In today’s society, we have many other responsibilities to deal with aside from being parents. In a hectic fast paced reality it is prudent to consider taking a moment to refresh our parenting skills. Here are a number ways we can check in and boost
our parenting:
DEVELOP THE CONFIDENCE OF YOUR CHILD
It is important to remember that what we say and do has a direct impact on our children. Our words and body language make up a large portion of our children’s world and they take in all of it. We easily offer words of correction and direction but we must also remember to pour out words of praise on our children. Remember, always be careful with what you say and do. The best way to teach our children is
by being an example…they do what we do, not what we say!
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
We all use discipline in one form or another but there is a uniting principle. This principle is that of consistency. Being consistent in following through is important because it helps the child know what you require of them. If you say you are going to do something…DO IT! Being consistent helps them to learn trust and to feel safe. Make sure that not only are you consistent, but parents are in agreement about what you say and do – no matter what!
“Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul”. Proverbs 29:17
3. CREATE TIME
Everything today is about being fast and convenient. However, when it comes to our children we need to remember to slow down and create a time just to be together; even when it is not convenient. This can take the shape of any number of things, in fact, your child can help plan this time. Keep your child’s age in mind, be flexible and you will be enjoying together time before you know it.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1
4. TALK AND LISTENIt is very important to talk and listen to your children. Often as our children grow parents may tend to want them to be quiet. Our lives are filled with many demands and sometimes an energetic child with much to say can be taxing. In these moments, we must remember that if you tell a child to stop talking repeatedly we cannot expect that will suddenly start talking to us when they are teens. Establish a pattern of talking and listening to your children when they are very young and it will aid in keeping the communication lines open when they are adolescents. Talking and listening to your children will help you with point #1 in developing confidence. When a child feels they are important to their parents, they will grow up with a sense of self worth!
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19
Keep in mind that you do not have to be the perfect parent…there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Make sure that what you expect from yourself and your family is reasonable. Allow your children to see that you are “human” - Do your best to involve yourself in things that you enjoy or find relaxing. Being a parent is a full-time job but if you take the time to relax or do what makes you happy you will have more enjoyment as a parent.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
Ina is available to see clients in Chino and Riverside. Please call 800-998-6329 TODAY and ask to schedule an appointment with Ina or a counselor in your area!
We
do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom
of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No,
we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God
destined for our glory before time began.
I Corinthians 2:6
It
is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of
faith we also believe and therefore speak
II Corinthians 4:13
On
the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.
We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
I Thessalonians 2:4
Jonathan,
David's uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe.
I Chronicles 27:32
Ahithophel
was the king's (David's) counselor.
I Chronicles 27:33
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
Job 12:13
And
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you
forever - the Spirit of truth.
John 14:16-17