So, how does a parent raise an “entitlement-free” child? First, Keefe says, accept that not only is parenting today probably more challenging than it’s ever been, but there’s also no “right” or “wrong” way to parent. 

Instead, there are “effective” and “non-effective” ways, and to be effective, you need to make sure you’re not entitling your child by giving into demands. That means, Keefe says, being strong, even when you desperately want to be your kid’s best friend and/or your child is complaining that she doesn’t have something everyone else does. And to be your best, you must to take care of yourself.

“Take time to recharge your own batteries,” Keefe says. “We don’t solve problems from an emotional place, but a cognitive place, so give yourself permission to get some rest. Give yourself permission to slow down even if you feel you can’t. Slow down and don’t give into a constant demand of never being good enough.” 

If, for example, after a long week of work, you find yourself being drawn into an argument with your child on a Friday evening, she suggests calmly informing your child that you want to talk with her further, but you’ll do it later, like tomorrow after lunch. You can even set up an appointment with your child, which makes it “very business-like,” something your child might appreciate.

Parenting can also be isolating, so if you need guidance or someone to talk to, Petersen says, look to those around you who are good examples of parents—maybe a neighbor or grandparent—and ask them for advice. It won’t cost a dime, and you may discover others have faced similar struggles and frustrations. Plus, there’s an extra benefit.

“You’re giving a gift to the person, letting them be a teacher to you, and you’re getting the gift of being a student,” he says.

MASK the Parenting Magazine a quarterly publication providing solutions for Today’s Families.

The parenting manual offering solutions to the modern-day challenges families face. From Pre-K 

through College stay up to date on the modern day issues families face.

Are you up to date on the issues your child is facing?

MASK Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids offers parenting solutions for today’s families. MASK tackles important topics – from drugs and alcohol to bullying and Internet safety -and gives students, parents and the community the knowledge and tools to manage these potential challenges.

 

Subscribe today! https://www.tools4teaching.com/product/mask-the-magazine/

Download and share the MASKmatters app now! Made for children, parents, teachers and in Spanish.

Have solutions at your fingertips 

Available free on apple and google play links below

Apple https://apps.apple.com/us/app/maskmatters/id1482305692

 

Google Play 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maskmatters.maskmattersapp&hl=en_US&gl=US

MASK the Parenting Magazine a quarterly publication providing solutions for Today’s Families.

The parenting manual offering solutions to the modern-day challenges families face. From Pre-K 

through College stay up to date on the modern day issues families face.

Are you up to date on the issues your child is facing?

MASK Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids offers parenting solutions for today’s families. MASK tackles important topics – from drugs and alcohol to bullying and Internet safety -and gives students, parents and the community the knowledge and tools to manage these potential challenges.

 

Subscribe today! https://www.tools4teaching.com/product/mask-the-magazine/

Download and share the MASKmatters app now! Made for children, parents, teachers and in Spanish.

Have solutions at your fingertips 

Available free on apple and google play links below

Apple https://apps.apple.com/us/app/maskmatters/id1482305692

 

Google Play 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maskmatters.maskmattersapp&hl=en_US&gl=US