EFFECTIVE PARENTING ON A TIGHT SCHEDULE STEPHANIE HARTMAN, PSYD SUPERVISING PSYCHOLOGIST AND COORDINATOR OF SCHOOL BASED SERVICES

AGENDA SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH OUR KIDS

GET INVOLVED AND STAY CONNECTED

BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM

ON A TIGHT SCHEDULE

WE USED TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME WITH OUR KIDS

THEN THE WORLD GOT BUSY

SINCE 1970, PARENTS SPEND AVG. 22 HOURS LESS WITH THEIR CHILDREN EACH WEEK

LEADING TO SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND ACADEMIC DIFFICULTIES

SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH OUR KIDS

SET ASIDE TIME

QUALITY TIME ADDS UP

HOW TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH OUR KIDS

Praise appropriate behavior Reflect appropriate talk/behaviors Imitate appropriate play/behaviors Describe objects and events going on Enthusiasm and genuineness

AVOID COMMANDS

INSTRUCTIONS QUESTIONS

CRITICISM

SARCASM

WHEN YOU SET ASIDE TIME, DISCONNECT

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Kids WANT parents’ praise and approval

Examples of reinforcers: praise, smile, extra time before bed, extra time with friends, special treat

When/Then rule

Don’t wait for perfection; tiny steps

Labeled praise vs. unlabeled praise

EXPECTATIONS AND HOUSE RULES

CLEAR EXPECTATIONS Involve children in the process Listen and try to incorporate some of kids’ ideas Parents have ultimate say Place visibly in house and refer back to it

GET INVOLVED AND STAY CONNECTED

TAKE AN INTEREST greet them with a smile, give them a hug, ask what they learned, ask their opinion

MAKE DAILY ROUTINES A TIME FOR LEARNING

MEAL TIME IS FAMILY TIME

BE A PART OF SCHOOL LIFE •  Go on class trips, productions

•  Volunteer After School •  Join the PTA

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM

ASK FOR HELP Spouse

Parents

Siblings

Friends

Rabbis

Teachers

Therapists

YOU ARE A GOOD PARENT Don’t feel guilty

Be proud Set a good example

YOUR KIDS WILL APPRECIATE YOU FOR IT