Parent Power: Bringing Up Responsible Children and Teenagers

It’s no use, he never listens to what I say. Parents are bombarded by conflicting advice. They are told they must give their children unconditional love, yet when children and young people behave badly, parents are blamed for a lack of discipline. Sometimes, parents are left feeling guilty and powerless to influence their children. Parent Power shows how it is possible to enjoy a warm and loving relationship with your children whilst teaching them what is right and wrong. Focussing on the interaction between parent and child, John Sharry assists parents in finding alternative and satisfying ways to relate to their children in a positive way. Divided into two parts: parenting children from three to eleven years, and parenting teenagers, each part is packed full of well researched principles of parenting, ideas and tips for moving forward. By allowing this book to encourage you to pause and reflect about your parenting, you will discover what works for you and your own unique family situation, empowering you as a parent and improving family life.

About the Author. INTRODUCTION. Parenting – a roller coaster ride. Pausing to think about your parenting. PART 1: BEING A PARENT OF A YOUNG CHILD. Step 1 Providing positive attention to children. Step 2 Play and special time with children. Step 3 Encouragement and praise. Step 4 Using rewards. Step 5 Setting rules and helping children keep them. Step 6 Ignoring misbehaviour. Step 7 Time Out and other sanctions. Step 8 Talking things through/Family meetings. PART 2: BEING A PARENT OF A TEENAGER. Step 9 Pausing to understand teenagers. Step 10 Connecting with your teenager. Step 11 Getting to know your teenager. Step 12 Empowering teenagers. Step 13 Communicating effecitvely – listening and speaking up. Step 14 Managing conflict. Step 15 Negotiating rules and boundaries. Step 16 Solving problems/Talking things through. RENEWALS AND RESOURCES. Parents caring for themselves. Seeking further help and support. Index.

"…indispensable guide…" (Irish Times, 14 January 2003) “...a good guide for this tricky stage" (The Sun, 29 th September 2004)