11 Step Program for Parents-to-Be

I have been discovering many great Moms who Twitter since joining this amazing group of women a few weeks back. Just yesterday, I found this hilarious post from Real Tech Mom and just had to share. Check out her blog and the 11 Step Program for to Complete Before Having Kids.

For many of us, we've found out - through hands on learning - what it truly is like to be a parent. As funny - and true - as this list is, I don't think anyone is ever really prepared for the changes and challenges that becoming a parent brings.

I teach one hour parenting workshops and a 15-hour course on Redirecting Children's Behavior and am amazed at all of the new and expecting parents who are eager to gain some tools and techniques to use with their children when the time comes.

Classes are scheduled in La Mesa at Java Mama and I'm pleased to announce that there will be additional workshops held in North County as well, at the Babies in Bloom boutique on the border of Oceanside and Vista.

Check out the class schedule or calendar of events for more information. I am also able to cater courses and workshops for your mom's group, PTA or at your place of employment. Contact me to set up a customized program that fits your needs and schedule.

How to Talk to Your Children about Sex

Yesterday, I taught my first parenting workshop on Talking about Sex with Children and Teens. I think, for the most part, the audience was pleased since they had many questions and I was able to answer them all. Actually, I take that back. Several of those who attended the workshop ended up answering a few questions so I feel as though I should've taken a bit more control as far as keeping to the course outline.

Unfortunately, I did run out of time and wasn't able to cover everything I had hoped to. I do have copies of the course outline, the stats on STDs and teen pregnancy and of course, the questionnaire that many of those who attended were interested in receiving. 

The conference itself was amazing. Keynote speaker Max Simon reminded me a bit of my son and I could actually see glimpses of my four-year-old years into the future, having the same sense of himself and the world. It was great to see this successful and responsible young man sharing his childhood memories with us and what he learned growing up with parents who used the Redirecting Children's Behavior model of parenting in their homes.

Susie Walton, founder of Indigo Village and the person behind this first of its kind conference brought me to tears when she spoke about her vision for this event and of course, the Village itself which she opened a few years ago.

The rooms were filled with parents of all ages, with children and grandchildren of varying backgrounds. What was so inspiring, was that each and every one of us - whether presenting or attending - were there for the same reason: to bring peace into our homes, our hearts, our relationships, and our lives.

If you are looking to reduce the stress in your home or are anxious to create a more loving and balanced relationship with your children, spouse or parents, please seek out a Certified Parent Educator in your area. There's hundreds of us waiting to meet you.

Invest in Your Community!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting offers unique parenting workshops based on the Redirecting Children's Behavior program.

Your support makes it possible for us to work with families of all income levels.

Invest in your community today! Begin by checking out this logo gear that comes in variety of styles and sizes.

My personal favorites are the Messenger/Diaper Bag, the License Plate Frame, Bumper Sticker, and of course, the Ceramic Travel Mug.

ADHD

I know little about ADHD other than what media reports about the increase of young people diagnosed with this "disorder." Growing up, I don't think this term was in existence, at least not that I was aware of.

My son is only 4 1/2 and not at risk, I don't think, for ADHD, but it doesn't hurt to be aware of the symptoms and learn a little more about it since, chances are, either he or someone he knows will be diagnosed with ADHD over the coming years.

I discovered a great article this morning, courtesy of Your Total Health, which included some facts that might help parents and teachers that work with young children.

• 19 Facts About ADHD
• Managing ADHD: A Parent's Guide to Success
• A Guide to ADHD Medications

I'd love to hear from readers who have children that have been diagnosed with ADHD or if you are an adult living with ADHD yourself. We all learn from each other so I'd like to know what your biggest challenges have been and what we can learn from your experience.

Parenting Mistakes

I don't know who Craig Playstead is, but I agree with his every insight in regards to the 10 Big Mistakes Parents Make:

1. Spoiling Kids
2. Inadequate Discipline
3. Failing to Get Involved at School
4. Praising Mediocrity
5. Not Giving Children Enough Responsibility
6. Not Being a Good Spouse
7. Setting Unrealistic Expectations
8. Not Teaching Children to Fend for Themselves
   
9. Pushing Trends on Kids
10. Not Following Through
    

As always, with reference to the mention of spouses, I've replaced this word with the word partner since we do need to be positive role models when it comes to our adult, romantic relationships (whether we're married or not).

What mistakes have you made? I'm guilty of many of these but since learning from our mistakes can help us in the future, as well as others, I am not afraid to be the first to confess.

You Can Use This

This week's edition of Parenting News You Can Use (published by INCAF) is now available! This week's articles include:

• Couples’ Communication
• Talk to the Animals
• Three Grin Salad
• Temperament in Infancy Indicates Later Behavior
• The Way We See It
• Marriage: Connecting Deeply
• Cholesterol Drugs and Children
• Family Meals Provide More than Just Food
• Nine Alternatives to Spanking

Don't forget to send me your questionnaire on sex. I'm seeking more responses so kindly forward this to anyone willing to help me prepare for my upcoming course on teaching sexual health and education to young people. Don't be shy. All responses will be kept confidential.

The Experienced Coach

Written by Brenda Power
Editor, Choice Literacy

My 15-year-old daughter started driver's education last month, which means driving with her over the past few weeks has been a special kind of hell for me. Dee hasn't had enough training to get her learner's permit, but she has acquired enough skills and knowledge to critique my driving...oh, pretty much every time I make a turn or pull up to a stoplight. Which would be every two to three minutes. Without fail.

The experience has made me think a lot about the role of any coach...What I've realized all over again is:

• No one likes to be coached by someone who doesn't have skills or experience with the activity being coached. Everything always looks easier from the outside.
• We can all benefit from the outside perspective of someone watching our moves closely. I am a much better driver this month than I was last month, just because some of my sloppiest habits have been pointed out to me. Repeatedly.
• We work hardest at the things we care most about. When Dee finally got her permit a week ago, I was amazed at how careful and smart she is in her driving. She eagerly asks for feedback after every drive, asks questions throughout the process, and is open to the honest analysis of her skills.

Most of all, I was reminded that those of us who coach others really need the experience periodically of learning something new, preferably something that is a true challenge. What are you planning to learn this summer? Who will be your coach?

Brenda's story about her daughter reminds me of the challenges I face when working with families. Nothing is more important to me than my family and I know the same holds true for those who enroll in my courses. I try very hard to express my opinions and points of view without being judgmental. I show my concern for parents' challenges and try to focus on what they want to achieve, what goals they plan to reach.

Being a Certified Parent Educator and teaching the courses and workshops on communication, discipline and redirecting children's behavior forces me to be more aware of the actions I take and the words I choose. I make mistakes - everyone does - and I use the lessons I learn from them to share with the parents I work with. After all, learning from my mistakes might help others to see how they can avoid making the same ones with their families.

Like Brenda, I know that the families I work with are dedicated to their children and the relationships in their lives and it only makes them stronger to ask for help when they need that extra support.

It takes a community to raise a child and I'm pleased to see the Happy Healthy Hip Parenting community growing and spreading peace between family members, friends and neighbors.

Someone Needs a Time Out

I LOVE this commercial! I just saw it on TV for the first time (I hardly ever have the TV on) and immediately looked it up on YouTube.

The Redirecting Children's Behavior program that I am certified to teach does not endorse time outs, unless it's done like this!

Redirecting Children's Behavior

I'm so excited to announce the first Redirecting Children's Behavior Parenting Retreat that I'm hosting this August at the La Jolla Marriott. More information can be found on the Happy Healthy Hip Parenting site.

Usually, this Practical Parenting Program is scheduled for three hours an evening over five weeks, but we are offering this SAME COURSE in a weekend format!

Participants will practice hands-on techniques through role-playing and group interaction. Not only will you take home these new skills and ideas, but you will also go back feeling refreshed after your weekend away. Come, relax and take a break, while still focusing on the family!

Read about one RCB graduate's experience with this course!