I am trying to be a more patient, positive and cheerful parent, which does not always come easily to my introverted, Type A personality. Not to mention that I grew up with 3 brothers, and we were all very close in age, so my mother’s style of parenting can probably be best described as “military.” I find referring back to the notes from my parenting classes and the books I have read, help to refresh my memory on what I SHOULD be doing. But I probably don’t do that often enough.
When I got an email from Beverly Cathart-Ross of the parentingnetwork.ca the other day, entitled the “8 Building Blocks to Good Communication” – it was just the reminder I needed! I a few of her classes, and found them helpful, so wanted to share these. (More tips can be found on her website and by signing up for her newsletter, not to mention taking a class!) This is not a paid blog, in fact, there are plenty of parenting gurus around, and many of them have smiliar advice. I recommend taking a class, reading a book, or just doing some research online… there are lots of helpful tips and methods out there. Classes are also particularly helpful if you feel that you and your spouse are not aligned on how you approach parenting, and need to work on a shared vision for how to handle the challenges of life with kids.
Anyway, here was Beverly’s advice:
While I am on the subject of communication, I wanted to share one of the most hilarious articles about communicating with your spouse that I have ever read (and helpful if you have the patience!) I think the title hints at what it is all about “What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage” -click here http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/25/fashion/25love.html?pagewanted=all
Husbands (or other types of partners) can be just as frustrating as your little ones (or more!) And I related wholeheartedly to this article!
Enjoy, and may tomorrow we all find our inner, patient, animal-trainer selves.
