http://www.minti.com/members/jeantracy/advice/ Most Recent Advice on Minti by JeanTracy Copyright 2008 Minti en-uk JeanTracy If you and your partner are caught up with your children and not with each other, it's time to step back and ask, "How can we ignite our relationship?" Inside you'll find 3 no-cost dates to help spark your love and make it sizzle.First Dating Idea ~"Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee..." - Stephen Foster ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9327/3-No-Cost-Dating-Ideas-for-Parents/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9327/3-No-Cost-Dating-Ideas-for-Parents/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:56:58 -0700 JeanTracy Do your kids see you and your partner attacking each other? Do either you or your partner have to be right? Inside you'll find 5 ways true love helps when you admit when you're wrong. To keep your marriage brimming,With love in the loving cup,Whenever you're wrong admit it;Whenever you're right shut up.- Ogden NashLike me, my husband Jim, is ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9264/Parents-in-Love--5-Reasons-for-Handling-Mistakes-with-Love-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9264/Parents-in-Love--5-Reasons-for-Handling-Mistakes-with-Love-/ Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:09:10 -0700 JeanTracy  "Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation." - Oscar Wilde  Whether it was a long time ago or recently, you promised to love, honor, and cherish your spouse. That includes the way you talk with each other. Perhaps you've slipped into disrespectful patterns. Maybe you just need a few ideas to uplift your conversations. Use the tips inside ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9196/3-Parenting-Tips--Using-Love-Talk-with-Your-Partner/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9196/3-Parenting-Tips--Using-Love-Talk-with-Your-Partner/ Sat, 02 Aug 2008 10:52:38 -0700 JeanTracy These 3 parenting tips help you and your partner say, "I'm with you. I'm walking beside you. I love you." If you practice the tips below, your children will be building character by watching and learning from you. Inside you will be given suggestions for practicing the tips too. "Why would a couple that lives and sleeps together every night need dates and rituals? ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9149/3-Parenting-Tips-for-Parents-as-Lovers/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9149/3-Parenting-Tips-for-Parents-as-Lovers/ Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:10:10 -0700 JeanTracy Would you like parenting tips when your kids are on vacation and you're not? Inside you'll find some fun ideas to bond with your kids and build character too.A few days ago I received a phone call from a child I didn't know. "Mom, can I go out and play?" The child sounded  about 8 or 9. "You have the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9087/Parenting-Tips--When-Your-Kids-Are-on-Vacation-and-Youre-Not/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9087/Parenting-Tips--When-Your-Kids-Are-on-Vacation-and-Youre-Not/ Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:12:52 -0700 JeanTracy Do you have a child who groans, gripes, and grumbles, doesn't listen, or has ADD? Inside are parenting tips for creating character building charts. They help turn misbehaviors into great behaviors and build character too.   Parenting Tips - Bribing vs. Training: First, let's get one thing straight. Character building charts don't bribe. Why? Bribes get people to do the wrong thing. These charts ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9041/How-Character-Building-Charts-Turn-Misbehaviors-into-Great-Behaviors/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9041/How-Character-Building-Charts-Turn-Misbehaviors-into-Great-Behaviors/ Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:42:31 -0700 JeanTracy When you try to help your child with homework, does he pout? Do you get mad? Do you regret what you say? Inside you’ll find 5 mistakes and 10 parenting affirmations to motivate your child and build character too.Character Building Quote:“It is easier and wiser to raise a happy, healthy child than to repair an adult.” – Christina BublickYears ago ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8962/Character-Building--5-Mistakes-and-10-Parenting-Affirmations-for-Helping-with-Homework/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8962/Character-Building--5-Mistakes-and-10-Parenting-Affirmations-for-Helping-with-Homework/ Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:08:52 -0700 JeanTracy Is your child telling fibs? Would you like 5 parenting tips to help her tell the truth? Inside you'll find five suggestions you can use.Quote on Truthfulness:"What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are entirely different things." - Margaret MeadeParents, if you have a child who tells fibs, are you frustrated? Perhaps you've discussed the problem with ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8898/Character-Building-5-Ways-to-Help-Your-Child-Tell-the-Truth/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8898/Character-Building-5-Ways-to-Help-Your-Child-Tell-the-Truth/ Fri, 23 May 2008 14:56:00 -0700 JeanTracy Are you worried about your child’s behavior? What can you do when you’ve tried everything? Inside you’ll find some tips to boost your parenting skills with difficult children.Discipline Quote:“Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.” Julie Andrews. Parenting Problem from a Worried Mother:Dear Jean,My son is three ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8857/4-Parenting-Tips-for-Understanding-a-Temper-Tantrum-Child-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8857/4-Parenting-Tips-for-Understanding-a-Temper-Tantrum-Child-/ Sat, 10 May 2008 13:51:20 -0700 JeanTracy Do you have enough time with your spouse? Do you focus too much attention on your children? Would you like to keep your marriage and your family strong? Inside you’ll find 3 parenting tips for staying in love.Childhood Wisdom:Art Linkletter’s TV program “Kids Say the Darndest Things!” filled the TV screen every week in the 50’s and 60’s. Here’s one ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8742/3-Parenting-Tips-for-Staying-in-Love/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8742/3-Parenting-Tips-for-Staying-in-Love/ Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:52:38 -0700 JeanTracy Is your sweet child getting in trouble? Do you worry about the kids he plays with? Inside you’ll find 5 parenting tips for helping kids stay out of trouble.Childhood Wisdom and Big Trouble:A 10-year-old boy named Joe and his 8-year-old brother, Danny, fought like cats and dogs. The older boy used his muscles. The younger boy used words.Just as Joe ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8595/5-Parenting-Tips-for-Young-Kids-in-Trouble/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8595/5-Parenting-Tips-for-Young-Kids-in-Trouble/ Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:15:19 -0700 JeanTracy Do you ever regret nagging your children? Do you feel guilty afterwards? Inside you'll discover the secret to positive parenting and getting your kids to cooperate.A young mother yelled at her son, Sammy, "Don't tease your sister. It's becoming a bad habit.""No it isn't," replied, Sammy. "It's becoming a hobby."The young mother yelled "Don't" and Sammy rebelled by sassing her."Don't" ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8505/Self-Esteem--Building-Character-with-9-Positive-Directions/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8505/Self-Esteem--Building-Character-with-9-Positive-Directions/ Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:47:13 -0700 JeanTracy Would you like a fun way to build self esteem, mind power, and character? Inside you’ll discover how bedtime stories create mind power, self esteem and character. Why not give this self esteem gift to your child every night?I remember my mother telling me, “Jeanie, you can do anything you put your mind to.” I thrived on her encouragement. You ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8430/Self-Esteem-Activity--Building-Character-with-Bedtime-Stories/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8430/Self-Esteem-Activity--Building-Character-with-Bedtime-Stories/ Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:54:10 -0700 JeanTracy Does your older child boss your younger child?  Are you worried about your younger child’s self-esteem? Inside you’ll find 3 parenting tips for building character and handling bossiness.  Childhood Humor:George bossed and teased his little sister every day. She screamed. She cried. She tattled. It was a nightmare. One day his mother raised her hand to spank George. But George ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8334/Building-Character--3-Parenting-Tips-for-Handling-Your-Bossy-Child/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8334/Building-Character--3-Parenting-Tips-for-Handling-Your-Bossy-Child/ Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:30:41 -0800 JeanTracy Is your child’s self-esteem spiraling downward because of grades? Do you feel helpless? Inside find out how being a detective can help you.Self- Esteem and Childhood Wisdom:A father asked his son, “How do you like going to school?” His son answered, “Going to school is fine. Coming home is fine too. It’s just the time in between I don’t like.”Parents, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8280/Self-Esteem-3-Parenting-Tips-for-Increasing-School-Performance/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8280/Self-Esteem-3-Parenting-Tips-for-Increasing-School-Performance/ Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:08:05 -0800 JeanTracy Do you wonder how self-esteem and chores fit together? Do your children play outside, watch TV, or play computer games while you do their tasks? Look inside to learn how giving children a list of chores builds their self-esteem.Childhood Wisdom:Amy’s mom was going to clean the car she borrowed from her mother. She asked Amy to help her. Amy said, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8225/Build-Self-Esteem-with-These-10-Chores-for-Your-Children/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8225/Build-Self-Esteem-with-These-10-Chores-for-Your-Children/ Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:57:27 -0800 JeanTracy  Do your children care for themselves according to their age and abilities? Would you like to boost their self-esteem and character? Inside you’ll find age-appropriate chores that instill the “I can do it myself” attitude.Childhood Wisdom:“When Heidi was 5 her mother decided to give her $1 a week if she kept her room clean. Week by week Heidi saw the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8138/Self-Esteem--Chores-for-Pre-School-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8138/Self-Esteem--Chores-for-Pre-School-Kids/ Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:55:59 -0800 JeanTracy Is your child’s self-esteem low? Are other kids’ opinions of him more important than his own? Is he afraid to try new things? Inside you’ll find my personal story and how self-esteem affirmations can build character in your child. How Lack of Confidence Fractured My Ribs:I started skiing in my 40’s. Whenever I looked down from the snow-covered hilltops, my ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8076/How-Self-Esteem-Affirmations-Build-Character-in-Your-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8076/How-Self-Esteem-Affirmations-Build-Character-in-Your-Kids/ Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:16:34 -0800 JeanTracy Are your children self-centered? Are you worried that their self-esteem is on the wrong track? Inside you'll learn 3 parenting tips for increasing self-esteem and decreasing selfishness. This Parenting Request Comes from a Valued Newsletter Subscriber:"Dear Jean,I would like to get some tips on confidence building in my ten year-old boy."A caring momA recent study by author, Professor Jean Twenge, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7978/Building-Character-in-Kids--One-Self-Esteem-Mistake-and-Three-Solutions-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7978/Building-Character-in-Kids--One-Self-Esteem-Mistake-and-Three-Solutions-/ Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:29:03 -0800 JeanTracy Does your young child lack concentration power?  Would you like to increase your child’s attention span? Inside you’ll find 3 parenting tips to help your child focus, learn, and become a better thinker too.Parenting Request from Hina, a Valued Newsletter Subscriber:Hina is both a mother and a teacher whose 5-year-old son exhibits a lack of concentration. She says, “When I’m ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7861/Concentration--3-Parenting-Tips-for-Increasing-Attention-Span-in-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7861/Concentration--3-Parenting-Tips-for-Increasing-Attention-Span-in-Kids/ Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:31:39 -0800 JeanTracy Do your kids long to fit in with the crowd? Are you worried they’ll do the wrong thing just to be liked? Inside you’ll find 3 parenting tips to help them make good choices and become people of character. Peer Pressure Quote:“There’s one advantage to being 102. There’s no peer pressure.” – Dennis WolfbergSince no child is 102, no child ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7769/Character-Building--3-Parenting-Tips-for-Handling-Peer-Pressure/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7769/Character-Building--3-Parenting-Tips-for-Handling-Peer-Pressure/ Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:37:01 -0700 JeanTracy  Does your child buy friendships with candy and gifts? Are you worried that she’s being used? Would you like her to find a better way to make friends? Inside you’ll find 3 parenting tips for making friends without buying them.Recently, I received an email from a psychologist who works with kids. She wrote, “One problem I would like to see ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7681/Social-Skills-for-Kids--How-to-Stop-Your-Kids-from-Buying-Friends/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7681/Social-Skills-for-Kids--How-to-Stop-Your-Kids-from-Buying-Friends/ Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:35:16 -0700 JeanTracy  Is your child bullied? Does she fear being called a tattletale? Inside you’ll find 5 parenting tips to help her handle the bullies and build character too.A Quote for Bullied Kids:“Fear grows in darkness: if you think there’s a bogeyman around, turn on the light.” –Dorothy ThompsonIf your child experiences threats, mean teasing, hitting, or kicking help her turn on ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7525/Social-Skills-for-Kids--How-to-Handle-Bullies-without-Being-a-Tattletale/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7525/Social-Skills-for-Kids--How-to-Handle-Bullies-without-Being-a-Tattletale/ Sun, 23 Sep 2007 16:23:31 -0700 JeanTracy  Kids who order their parents lack the necessary experience to be generals. Inside you'll find 3 parenting tips for decreasing bossiness at home, increasing social skills, and building character too. Parenting Advice - A Social Skills Quote:"Conversation isn't just crossfire where you shoot and get shot at! Where you've got to duck for your life and aim to kill! Words aren't ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7436/Social-Skills-for-Kids-3-Parenting-Tips-for-Teaching-Respect-to-Bossy-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7436/Social-Skills-for-Kids-3-Parenting-Tips-for-Teaching-Respect-to-Bossy-Kids/ Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:30:05 -0700 JeanTracy Great social skills include good manners. Good manners include proper words. Inside you'll find 3 parenting tips for ending potty talk including one that builds character with laughter.This Social Skill Problem is from Jennifer: Hearty laughter is like sunshine among kids. If you're a parent like Jennifer, you might not agree. Jennifer wrote that her 7 year-old-daughter gets her friends ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7273/Social-Skills-for-Kids-3-Parenting-Tips-for-Ending-Potty-Talk-in-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7273/Social-Skills-for-Kids-3-Parenting-Tips-for-Ending-Potty-Talk-in-Kids/ Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:07:37 -0700 JeanTracy Goal-Setting is the bridge to success. Success builds character. Inside you’ll find the bridge for seeing, sensing, and saying goals. Use this bridge to help your child build a champion character. Parenting Advice for Goal-Setting:“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something deep inside them – a deep desire, a dream, a vision.”  Muhammed Ali, an American ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7198/Goal-Setting-for-Kids--3-Parenting-Tips-for-Building-a-Champion-Character-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7198/Goal-Setting-for-Kids--3-Parenting-Tips-for-Building-a-Champion-Character-/ Sat, 18 Aug 2007 12:15:44 -0700 JeanTracy  Goal Setting for Kids – 2 Ways to Create Winning FeelingsHealthy character building teaches children to choose their thoughts. Feelings can be chosen too. Inside you'll find 2 ways to help your kids choose winning feelings and build character too. Goal Setting for Kids - With Feelings of Joy and Enthusiasm:"When we accept tough jobs as a challenge. . . and wade into them ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6983/Goal-Setting-for-Kids-2-Ways-to-Create-Winning-Feelings/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6983/Goal-Setting-for-Kids-2-Ways-to-Create-Winning-Feelings/ Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:28:49 -0700 JeanTracy Goal setting with pictures fit together like laughter and fun. Both end with feelings of joy and contentment. Yet many grown-ups don’t experience this. They fail to turn their dreams into goals. Don’t let this become your child’s fate. Childhood is the best time to teach your child the tools for setting goals. “Setting goals is the first step in turning ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6825/Goal-Setting-for-Kids--1-Parenting-Tip-and-1-Strategy-That-Help-Kids-Accomplish-Their-Goals/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6825/Goal-Setting-for-Kids--1-Parenting-Tip-and-1-Strategy-That-Help-Kids-Accomplish-Their-Goals/ Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:06:36 -0700 JeanTracy Building Character with Goal Setting Words: "Use the big thinker's vocabulary. Use big, bright, cheerful words. Use words that promise victory, hope, happiness, pleasure, avoid words that create unpleasant images of failure, defeat, grief." ~ David. J. Schwartz, PhD How can you help your child delete the self-defeating talk that leads to failure? How can you motivate your child to ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6693/Goal-Setting-for-Kids--5-Questions-for-Increasing-Positive-Self-Talk-in-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6693/Goal-Setting-for-Kids--5-Questions-for-Increasing-Positive-Self-Talk-in-Kids/ Sun, 08 Jul 2007 13:39:30 -0700 JeanTracy Is goal-setting scary for your child? Does she need a boost? Inside you’ll find 5 parenting tips and 3 questions to help your child erase negative pictures, create positive ones, and move toward success.Children Move toward Their Pictures:The pictures in your child’s mind determine whether she’ll reach for the stars or give up without trying. How can you motivate your ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6146/Goal-Setting-for-Kids--How-Positive-Pictures-Promote-Achieving-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6146/Goal-Setting-for-Kids--How-Positive-Pictures-Promote-Achieving-Kids/ Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:21 -0700 JeanTracy Do you believe in free will, reason, and character? Would you like to know 3 easy questions that develop all three? Inside you’ll find out how building free will and reason lead to character in your kids. Parenting – Does Free Will Exist?How would you like to live in total chaos? Some people say, "There is no such thing as ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5846/Parenting-Tips--These-3-Questions-Build-Reason-Free-Will-and-Character-in-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5846/Parenting-Tips--These-3-Questions-Build-Reason-Free-Will-and-Character-in-Kids/ Wed, 09 May 2007 19:45:03 -0700 JeanTracy  If your children like to play school, think about playing with them. Here’s a fun way to play and build character too.Character Building – How playing school builds character in kids:Playing school is a fun way for you to enjoy your kids and their friends. Sometimes they can be the teacher and sometimes you.Consider using the following parenting tips:  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5713/Parenting-Skills-How-Playing-School-with-Kids-Builds-Character/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5713/Parenting-Skills-How-Playing-School-with-Kids-Builds-Character/ Sun, 29 Apr 2007 12:40:37 -0700 JeanTracy Radio Shock Jocks and Rappers say unspeakable things that bring the culture down. What can you do to protect your kids and build their characters up?  Why not arrange neighborhood character building parties for your kids and their friends? These parties will light up any rainy afternoon and get kids thinking too.Research tells us to use moral dilemmas for building character ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5555/Parenting-Skills--How-to-Arrange-Character-Building-Parties/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5555/Parenting-Skills--How-to-Arrange-Character-Building-Parties/ Sun, 15 Apr 2007 15:14:46 -0700 JeanTracy For parents of children in grades K-6:              How Role Playing Moral Dilemmas Turn Family Meetings into Family FunParenting Advice - discuss moral dilemmas in family meetings: Family meetings are family discussions. They don’t have to be too structured. They can be part of your dinner conversation.Our family discusses moral dilemmas around the breakfast table on Sunday mornings with our granddaughters. ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5369/How-Role-Playing-Moral-Dilemmas-Turns-Family-Meetings-into-Family-Fun/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5369/How-Role-Playing-Moral-Dilemmas-Turns-Family-Meetings-into-Family-Fun/ Fri, 30 Mar 2007 11:13:22 -0700 JeanTracy Parenting Tips for Parents of Children K-6 grades:Do your children choose well when faced with moral dilemmas? Would you like to prepare them to make good choices? Find out how to teach them to be make good decisions and build character too. Recently my son, Brian, who is a young man now, asked, "Mom, remember how you always asked me ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5200/Parenting-Tips-How-Moral-Dilemmas-Turn-Kids-into-Independent-Thinkers/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/5200/Parenting-Tips-How-Moral-Dilemmas-Turn-Kids-into-Independent-Thinkers/ Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:54:40 -0700 JeanTracy Would you like a fun way to share your family values? Would you like your child's character to shine? Here's a fun way to share values and build character too.The Special Connection between Character and Light: "People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out but when darkness sets in their true beauty is ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4989/Parenting-Skills-3-Character-Building-Dilemmas-You-Can-Use-Today/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4989/Parenting-Skills-3-Character-Building-Dilemmas-You-Can-Use-Today/ Mon, 05 Mar 2007 07:39:31 -0800 JeanTracy Is your child attracted to TV clips of kids gone wild, violent movies, and video games? Is your child bullying other kids and loving it? Why not turn your school bully into a child with character? If you're worried about your child's aggressive behavior, stop the worry. Start problem solving. You weren't born knowing how to deal with bullies. You were ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4806/Parenting-Skills-Turning-Your-School-Bully-into-a-Child-with-Character/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4806/Parenting-Skills-Turning-Your-School-Bully-into-a-Child-with-Character/ Wed, 21 Feb 2007 12:53:37 -0800 JeanTracy Are you raising responsible kids?Do you come home to kids watching TV, playing video games, or chatting on cell phones? Are the morning and afternoon dishes stacked in the sink for you to do? Do you want help with laundry, vacuuming, and fixing dinner? Let's find out how to raise responsible kids and get the help you need.To raise responsible ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4266/Raising-Responsible-Kids-How-To-Get-Your-Children-To-Do-Their-Chores/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4266/Raising-Responsible-Kids-How-To-Get-Your-Children-To-Do-Their-Chores/ Sat, 27 Jan 2007 11:18:24 -0800 JeanTracy Building character in misbehaving kids takes 3 kinds of vision. Find out the biggest mistake blinding parents today and how to turn disrespectful kids into respectful children. Effective parenting - building character in kids takes vision: When 6-year-old Johnny asked his mom, "Can little kids cook?" She answered, "Certainly, with supervision." Johnny thought for a moment and said, "I want to cook. Do ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3995/Effective-Parenting-How-to-Turn-Disrespectful-Kids-into-Respectful-Children/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/3995/Effective-Parenting-How-to-Turn-Disrespectful-Kids-into-Respectful-Children/ Sun, 14 Jan 2007 13:03:21 -0800 JeanTracy Character Building can be difficult when your kids are driving you crazy. Do you have a Winnie the Whiner, a Peter the Cheater, or a Bubba the Bully? Let’s find out how these parenting tips helped one mother and how they can help you too.I remember counseling a second grade boy who was a 'Sammy the Slacker.' One day his ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2783/Parenting-Tips-That-Build-Character-When-Your-Kids-Are-Driving-You-Crazy/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2783/Parenting-Tips-That-Build-Character-When-Your-Kids-Are-Driving-You-Crazy/ Wed, 29 Nov 2006 16:37:37 -0800 JeanTracy When your kids fight, what are your problem solving solutions? Sibling rivalry is a common problem. It tests almost every parent's patience. Knowing what to do in the heat of the moment isn't easy. What is easy, is letting your own anger explode.Researchers tell us that 36 million acts of sibling rivalry occur every year. Some are severe. Most are ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2363/Sibling-Rivalry-5-Problem-Solving-Solutions-When-Your-Kids-Fight/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2363/Sibling-Rivalry-5-Problem-Solving-Solutions-When-Your-Kids-Fight/ Sun, 05 Nov 2006 21:25:45 -0800 JeanTracy  If you're a divorced parent, avoid these 3 mistakes and create these 3 solutions when building character in your child. Your child will reward you with respect, trust, and love.My parents divorced. At the time my father confided, "It's just like a woman. When a man finally puts some money aside, his wife wants half and gets a divorce." Dad ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2272/Divorced-Parents-3-Mistakes-and-3-Solutions-for-Building-Character-in-Your-Child/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/2272/Divorced-Parents-3-Mistakes-and-3-Solutions-for-Building-Character-in-Your-Child/ Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:31:54 -0800 JeanTracy "Almost 90 percent of the teens who use drugs also do other things that put them or those around them at risk for serious harm, including drinking heavily, fighting, carrying weapons, and having unsafe sex." (Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center)  During my 22 years counseling children and families, I experienced a similar snapshot with troubled teens and their families. . ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1283/Choosing-Values-Discover-5-Ways-to-Help-Your-Kids/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1283/Choosing-Values-Discover-5-Ways-to-Help-Your-Kids/ Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:36:18 -0700 JeanTracy Time flies when you're raising children. How you parent now will greatly affect your kids' values when they reach the teen years. If you're parenting at the speed of life, let's find out how you can slow down and get your kids off to a great start."Almost 90 percent of the teens who use drugs also do other things that put ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1261/Parenting-Tips-How-to-Get-Your-Kids-Off-to-a-Great-Start/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/1261/Parenting-Tips-How-to-Get-Your-Kids-Off-to-a-Great-Start/ Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:35:38 -0700 JeanTracy Parents, listen to your mouth. Do criticisms accidentally slip out instead of compliments? Criticism and compliments get different results. Which results do you want? Criticisms get results:"You'll never amount to anything!" "You're the laziest kid, I've ever seen!" "Don't be so stupid!" Parents, do you get frustrated with your kids? Are you out of patience? Do you regret the things ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/920/Parent-Talk-How-to-Turn-Criticism-into-Compliments/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/920/Parent-Talk-How-to-Turn-Criticism-into-Compliments/ Sun, 06 Aug 2006 21:31:24 -0700 JeanTracy How would you feel if a parent giggled when her child spoke rudely to you? Would you wonder if that parent had a screw loose? It happened to me. Case in point, I remember a mother and her 10-year-old daughter's first counseling session. I had never met them before. The daughter glared at me and yelled, "I'm going to kill ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/827/Discipline-How-Parents-Reinforce-Misbehavior/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/827/Discipline-How-Parents-Reinforce-Misbehavior/ Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:17:50 -0700 JeanTracy Are your affirmations too general? Would your child be better motivated by more detail? Would you like your child to feel valued? Learn how to create the best affirmations for motivating and valuing your child.Imagine being a child. Your parents just attended your school play. You were the star. On the way home, your parents told you, "That was good." ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/729/Parent-Affirmations-Are-Yours-Too-General/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/729/Parent-Affirmations-Are-Yours-Too-General/ Wed, 19 Jul 2006 20:16:15 -0700 JeanTracy well my husband got a new job and they are paying for us to stay at a hotel until we find a house and my 3 yr old throws her fits and screams off the top of her lungs when she doesnt get what she wanst. what can i do to maybe keep her from being so loud?You are in ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/601/Baby-Time-Out-To-the-Rescue/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/601/Baby-Time-Out-To-the-Rescue/ Wed, 28 Jun 2006 17:02:29 -0700 JeanTracy Have you ever given your child an illogical consequence? I have. I learned how my kids tricked me too. Don't make this mistake. Jean Tracy, MSS, "Granny Jean"  ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/526/Learn-5-Logical-Consequences-You-Can-Use-Right-Now/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/526/Learn-5-Logical-Consequences-You-Can-Use-Right-Now/ Tue, 20 Jun 2006 19:37:22 -0700 JeanTracy “To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.”    -Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. PresidentTeddy Roosevelt hit the mark with his words. To educate a child in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and not about living is to raise a menace to society.How do we as parents, teachers, and mentors help children build character? ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/505/BUILD-CHARACTER-NOW-Practical-Tools-for-Busy-Parents/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/505/BUILD-CHARACTER-NOW-Practical-Tools-for-Busy-Parents/ Sun, 18 Jun 2006 17:07:22 -0700