BLOGS > Barbara McRae
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Barbara McRae Barbara McRae, MCC is passionate about easing stress and enhancing parent-teen relationships.She is a well known parent/teen expert, bestselling author, host of Bridging the GAP Radio Show, and founder of Teen Frontier International. Her unique teen advice parenting approach regularly appears online, in print, and in the media. Barbara draws on her own experiences parenting three teens as well as her extensive professional experience. Read more about Barbara >>> Visit Barbara's Teen Frontier International website>>> How to Deal with Difficult Teachers Most teachers chose their field because they really wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. The best not only want kids to learn their lessons and complete their homework, they also want to contribute to their students' future success. But there is so much more going on at school behind the grades on the report card. read more >>> Peer Pressure – What You Need to Know Handling peer pressure is one of the most challenging things young people are faced with. They'll be facing their peers in school now and later in their work life. If we are honest with ourselves, we'll realize that none of us is immune to peer pressure, when others what you to change your mind and fit it. People go along with their peers when they care more about what others think of them instead of what they think of themselves. read more >>> Transforming Boys into Good Men Boys will be boys. That's what we're always told, isn't it? It's what people say to excuse bad behaviour. While there is some truth to this statement - boys can often be more rambunctious - it prevents parents from helping their sons cultivate successful social skills. Having good manners never goes out of style at home and in the workplace. read more >>> How to Reach Your Teen’s Heart How would you rate your relationship with your teen daughter or son? If you are unsure, or you want to double check your answer, imagine hearing the sounds of your teen entering your house. Now ask yourself this question: How do I react when I hear my teen coming home?Challenging Kids - What Works, What Doesn't
Not surprisingly, parents usually contact me for help when they're dealing with challenging preteens or teens. The complaints revolve around: being disrespectful, not abiding by the household rules, refusing to apply themselves at school, fighting with siblings or classmates and getting in trouble with the law.
Parents - Be Happy Anyway Parents often find it challenging to stop worrying so much. Their focus tends to be on what doesn't seem to be meeting their expectations or what awful thing might happen in the future. Let's take Sharon's example; she's a mum of three teens. She's intellectually sharp and has a need to be highly organised. read more>>> Re-Think Your Comparisons It’s in our nature to make comparisons. We compare people, places, things and even the weather. The majority of the comparisons we make rarely contribute to getting into a warm weather spirit; mostly, they bring us distress.As children move into adolescence they are more prone to the mental affliction of comparing themselves to others. They do this not to further define who they are, but generally they make mental comparisons to evaluate how they stack up to others. read more>>> Strategies for Saying No It's natural that a conflict can arise when someone wants you to say "Yes" and you say "No." This is especially the case with teenagers that haven't yet learned how to be respectful of your role as parent-coach. In this role, you have the responsibility to choose what's best given the situation at hand.For example, if you give in to your underage teen's request to make beer or wine available for a party they're having, you'd be seen as a pushover. read more>>> The Unforgetable Impact For many in the U.S., this week marks the return to school for our kids, reminding us of our experiences.In addition to remembering some awkward teenage moments, you'll likely recall the instructors who've made a profound impact. Who were these teachers for you and how did their influence help shape your future? read more>>> The Dark Side of Driven Kids Having the desire to do well is certainly commendable; however, there's an important distinction between being a high achiever and an overachiever.A high achiever sets high standards for himself and enjoys succeeding. An overachiever sets unrealistic standards for himself which are rarely sustainable; this lowers self worth... >>> read more The “But Everyone Else is…” Excuse Most of us really do know "right" from "wrong." We've all been taught not to lie, steal, or otherwise engage in illegal activity. And yet people-of all ages-do it every day. They don't act honorably because they let themselves off the hook.Here are just some of the top excuses that kids use (and some adults, too)... >>> read more The Rule of Seven A popular question from parents is: "Why does it take so long to get through to my kids? What I say doesn't seem to stick!" Much of it has to do with how we learn. We learn through repetition. But how much repetition does it take before you begin to get diminishing returns? The consensus is seven. >>> read more Can We Want Too Much for Our Kids? The majority of the parents I coach have this in common: they want their kids to have what's "best." The specifics vary,but can take the shape of: the BEST grades, schools, jobs, clothes, friends, mates, educators, bosses, cars, health, and/or opportunities.How are your goals for your teenagers working out for you? Is it possible that you might want too much for them? >>> read more To Argue Or Not To Argue... That is the Question! In some households arguments are the norm and in others arguing is considered anathema.Whether you like to debate or whether you feel your role as a parent is threatened if you allow heated disputes, it's easy to get hooked into arguments with adult children. First, let's take a look at the distinction between discussing vs. arguing. >>> read more |
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