Research demonstrates that child brains are different from adult brains. Children aren’t just adults who don’t try hard enough, they’re unique individuals responding to the signals and priorities of a child’s brain. Children are entrusted to your care to raise into the best possible versions of themselves. The foundation of good parenting is providing your kids with enough room to grow into themselves while gently but firmly teaching them to respect limits, boundaries and others.

Help your child put words to feelings to teach emotional problem solving.

The brain cannot process feelings without words. Accurately identifying and explaining feelings teaches the logical part of the brain how to understand and calm intense emotions.

Your two options in effective communication are “Be kind or quiet.”

Research demonstrates that the human brain shuts down and stops processing in intense situations. The brain goes into survival mode. No one hears you when you yell, but you feel powerful. You’re not. You’re causing shut-down, retaliation and distance within your child.

To develop identity within your child, ask questions instead of making statements or giving directives.

Whenever possible, turn your child inward to explore and discover themselves. Ask “What do you make of your math grade?” instead of “I can’t believe you got a D on that math test.” Teach children how to look inside and know themselves rather than telling them what to think.