Build A Strong Parent-Child Relationship

A positive, active parent fully understands that a solid parent-child connection is built through a strong relationship based on trust and mutual respect. A parent can possess skills, tools, and knowledge but without a strong relationship a child may struggle with a parent’s rules, have lower self-worth, and be less likely to make responsible decisions. Thus, a parent’s number one goal is to do whatever it takes to ensure that the relationship is totally wholesome through excellent communication.

My Christian parenting book will be released in 2021 to provide numerous skills and tools for making a profound impact on enhancing a child’s self-worth. responsible decision-making, and a strong parent-child relationship.

Simple Habits For Marital Happiness — Winner of Three National Book Awards

The prestigious Next Generation Indie Book Awards selected Simple Habits For Marital Happiness as the 2020 Winner - Relationships.

The 14th Annual National Indie Excellence Premier Book Awards chose Simple Habits For Marital Happiness as the 2020 Winner - Marriage. 

The esteemed Living Now Awards selected Simple Habits For Marital Happiness as the 2020 Bronze Award Winner for Relationships/Marriage. 

This Christian marriage resource of common-sense habits shows couples not how to just co-exist, but most importantly, how they can develop a marriage into something rewarding and enriching.  One of the strengths of Simple Habits For Marital Happiness is its simplicity, as it focuses on basics which can be incorporated into everyday relationship life. 

Please spread the word about SIMPLE HABITS FOR MARITAL HAPPINESS: Practical Skills And Tools That Build A Strong SATISFYING RELATIONSHIP  with family members, friends, neighbors, and contacts in ways that are most comfortable for you.

Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website, www.DrRandySchroeder.com,  for future emails. 

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Habits-Marital-Happiness-Relationship/dp/1633571750 

To download the FREE Discussion Guide please click the following Crosslink Publishing link:  https://crosslinkpublishing.com/shop/simple-habits-for-marital-happiness/

Love Statements For A Child

One way for a parent to build a positive relationship with their child is through love statements.  Words are powerful in creating self-confidence and self-worth in a child.  Shown below are 6 ways to communicate love on a daily basis.

1.  I love you NO MATTER WHAT!

2.  I will love you even more tomorrow than I did today!

3.  I am proud of you!

4.  I am glad you are my child!

5.  Why do I love you? I love you just because you are you!

Today and Every Day: Express unconditional love for your child with an affirming statement.

Please share on Facebook, Twitter - @Dr_Randy_S, and Instagram.  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website, www.DrRandySchroeder.com,  for future newletters.  See past blog posts under SIMPLE HABITS for Marriage, Parenting, and Life. 

SIMPLE HABITS FOR MARITAL – Practical Skills and Tools That Build a Strong SATISFYING RELATIONSHIP, released March 2020 on Amazon -  https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Habits-Marital-Happiness-Relationship/dp/1633571750 will make a great gift for married friends, children, grandchildren, parents, and other family members. 

7 Ways to Have Meaningful Contact with Your Child

One of the primary ways to demonstrate unconditional love with your child is through various forms of contact.  Shown below are 7 ways to establish meaningful contact with your child. 

1. Physical contact.  Affection is the cement to a relationship and your child thrives on physical touch.

2. Eye contact.  The best attentive listening happens through continual eye connection.

3. Time contact.  Time equals love so love your child by spending daily time together.

4. Meal contact.  Meals at the table not only strengthen a parent-child bond but also provide a time for establishing values. 

5. Prayer contact. Regularly pray with your child: in the morning, in the car, at meals, before bedtime, etc.

6. Monthly date contact.  Plan a one-on-one monthly date with your child outside the home. 

7. Activity contact.  Regularly enjoy activities together like playing catch, riding a bike, going to the movies, shooting baskets, building with Legos, hitting golf balls, etc.

Today:  Implement these seven contact ideas as well as create your own meaningful contact action plan.

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book.  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life. 

7 Ways to Value Your Child

Value is one of the best synonyms for love.  Parents who value their child will develop a responsible decision-making adult one day.  Shown below are seven essentials for valuing a child. 

1. Live your Christian faith.  A parent has the privilege to be a faith example through regular worship, daily prayer life, and godly words and actions.

2. Regular chores.  Give simple work for your child but make it happen regularly.  Work builds both self-confidence and self-worth. 

3. Listen attentively.  Listen closely by reflecting back what your child tells you.

4. Compliment effort more than correct errors. Positive words encourage while hurtful, critical words discourage.

5. Take misbehavior seriously.  Never just “smile” or even laugh when your child makes a mistake but let misbehavior be a teaching lesson through consequences or taking away privileges.

6. Have one on one time.  Focused one on one contact will make a significant difference in your child’s emotional and developmental well-being. 

7. Value by never devaluing your child.  Sarcasm, hurtful teasing, ridicule, not spending time together, etc. will damage your child’s self-worth.  Instead, communicate a constant belief in your child’s abilities and help them achieve their goals. 

Today:  Implement these seven ideas along with your own wonderful skills and tools for valuing your child.    

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book.  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life. 

MONDAY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE

Similar to the wisdom of Proverbs, every Monday I will share a practical wisdom quote.  I pray this quote will make a difference in your personal life and relationships.  

“Encourage and support your kids because children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.”  Lady Bird Johnson

7 Essentials For Helping Your Child Academically

An underachiever is a student whose school performance, typically measured by grades, is substantially poorer than what parents would expect on the basis of ability or intelligence tests. Unfortunately, underachievers often develop a poor self-concept.  Based upon research, shown below are seven characteristics of healthy parents who helped their child succeed academically. 

 1.         Read with their child daily.

 2.         Provide library books and other reading materials in the home.

 3.         Provide stimulating educational games on the computer, tablet, etc.

 4.         Have a healthy balance with educational and leisure “screen” time.

 5.         Use praise, not money, and encouragement when rewarding effort and improvement.     

 6.         Provide many life experiences and opportunities for success.

 7.         Affirm and appreciate their child on a daily basis.

 Today:  Begin using these 7 essential behaviors to help your child succeed academically. 

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book.  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life. 

MONDAY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE

Similar to the wisdom of Proverbs, every Monday I will share a practical wisdom quote.  I pray this quote will make a difference in your personal life and relationships.  

“Children are not casual guests in our home. They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them and instilling a foundation of values on which their future lives will be built.”  James Dobson

10 Helpful Homework Ideas

Parents can play a major role in parenting their children for a successful school experience.  Here are 10 ways that parents can support and supplement what takes place in the classroom.  I will also post these homework ideas again next August. 

1.         Allow your child some time to unwind after school.

2.         Avoid the pressure of school by making homework a comfortable activity.

3.         Determine your child’s biological clock.  When is their best time for studying – before dinner or immediately after dinner.

4.         Create a quiet, study environment for your child to do homework, with good lighting and             necessary supplies. 

5.         Help your child with learning how to break major homework assignments into manageable chunks.

6.         Look over the homework after it is completed to see that it is neat and totally finished.

7.         Show interest in your child’s school work by displaying it on a bulletin board or the refrigerator.

8.         Help your child learn to study effectively for tests by:

            *          reviewing notes several days before the test

            *          asking the teacher what the test will cover

            *          save past quizzes because they are great study guides

 9.         Make sure your child gets enough sleep every night.

 10.       Compliment!  Compliment!  Compliment!  When your child works hard at their homework always reaffirm them with, “I really appreciate your wonderful effort!”

 Today:  Begin implementing these 10 helpful homework ideas. 

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book.  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life. 

7 Ways To Build Confidence In Your Child

Regularly everyone, including your child, has setbacks and disappointments but what makes a difference in the response is a determined, never give up attitude!   Handling the challenges of life with a determined spirit requires that your child have confidence.    Shown below are 7 ways to build confidence in your child.

1.         Verbally affirm your child often with two phrases:  “I am proud of you” and “I believe in  you.”

2.         Help your child understand mistakes and setbacks are tremendous opportunities to learn even more and grow. 

3.         Teach your child to look for solutions when problems arise.  There are always solutions!

4.         Teach your child the importance of asking for help from others when looking for a solution.

5.         Stress to your child that focusing on the now, the present, is all that matters and that is what is within their control. Make a masterpiece of today!

6.         When you have a setback, model how well you handle that challenge.

7.         Every morning, have your child say aloud the affirmation, “I can and I will today!”

Today:  Begin implementing these 7 ways to build confidence in your child. 

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book.  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life. 

7 Essential Goals For A Healthy Parent

A healthy parent desires to lead and guide their child to be a motivated, responsible decision-maker.  A wholesome parent also attempts to do their very best in order to help their child be successful in every area of life.  Focusing on 7 Essential Goals can assist a parent in achieving those objectives. 

1.         Provide unconditional love both verbally and physically. Daily, tell your child “I love you no matter what” and give numerous loving physical touches.  Unconditional love is always important but especially once your child is in double digits.

 2.         Only give your child positive labels, NEVER negative labels.  Your child will fulfill whatever label or reputation you place on their forehead.  Use the words “I appreciate” when giving the positive label.  For example, “I appreciate your positive attitude” or “hard work” or “great decision-making,” etc. 

 3.         Treat your child like they are 3 years older than their age.  Expecting your child to be 3 years more mature than their age will instill confidence, produce a positive attitude, and build excellent decision-making skills. 

 4.         Compliment more than you correct.  Unfortunately, most parents falsely believe the goal is to focus on just correcting errors. Instead, compliment your child’s efforts more than their outcome.  Search for what your child is doing right and give many “I appreciate” compliments. 

 5.         Be consistent, decisive, and have firm limits. It is so easy to give your child a second, third, fourth, and even fifth chance.  However, by not expecting your child to respond the first time, you are being inconsistent and indecisive which can create various difficulties for your child.  

 6.         Lead and guide your child by being brief.  Don’t try to influence your child’s heart by talking and reasoning way too much.  Talking a lot, debating, and arguing with your child will usually create “parent deafness” where they turn off the volume. Simply, be brief, be decisive, and have firm limits!

7.         Be a role model.  Example is not the best teacher, example is the only teacher.  More things in life are caught than taught.  As both an individual and parent, be operating at a higher level in all aspects of life than your child. 

This Week:  Discuss with your child’s other parent or a significant family member where you can improve for the sake of your child. 

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life.