Checklist: Characteristics of Healthy Parent-Child Relationships

Evaluate your relationships Use this checklist to evaluate patterns in your current relationships with the children in your life (or even other adults in your life). If you have implemented a specific discipline or motivation approach, does it encourage relationships in which the following are true? Proactivity: ___ I focus on prevention–not reaction. ___ I…

14 Façons d’être un Parent Plus Conscient

Par Jane Bluestein Ph.D. • Identifiez vos buts concernant l’éducation de votre enfant. Pensez au type de relation que vous cherchez à établir, et à ce que vous pouvez faire pour l’obtenir. Regardez les objectifs à long et à court-terme. • Faites-vous un petit panneau qui dit : « Ma relation avec mon enfant (ou mes enfants) est importante….

“Making Someone Wrong”

What does that really mean? In what has become a bit of a family joke, my husband and I can spend the entire day together in the house. Yet, regardless of how much time we’ve been talking or interacting, something happens the minute I reach for my keys to leave for a meeting, class, or…

The Gift of Service: Certificate

Download page for Service Certificates Free download: one page with two copies of a certificate you can duplicate to offer the gift of your service to someone in your life. This page corresponds to Chapter 4, “The Pleasures of Service,” in Magic, Miracles and Synchronicity by Jane Bluestein, Judy Lawrence, and S.J. Sanchez. See below for a…

Angels in Disguise: Certificate

Download page for Angel Certificates Free download: one page with two copies of a certificate you can duplicate to recognize and acknowledge the Angels in Disguise who enrich your life. These “angels” could be family and friends, or they could be helpers, service people, or total strangers who add to your life with the work…

Non-Supportive Responses to Avoid

Yes, these really do make things worse! What’s your first instinct when someone you care about* is in distress? For those of us who are inclined to offer comfort and understanding, it’s probably a good idea to see if our actual responses match our intentions.   Ideally, you’ll be in a calm space—with time to listen…

“Magic” Sentences for Effective Communication

Positive language for avoiding conflict, negotiating agreements, and taking care of yourself “Magic Sentences” are key phrases that offer practical ways to use specific language to prevent, minimize, or de-escalate conflicts with others. Different sentences will be useful in different situations. These examples represent a win-win approach to relationships, and while they were originally developed for…

What’s Wrong with I-Messages?

Problems with a popular formula This article was originally written for an issue of Families in Recovery, a parenting magazine that is no longer in print. I come back to revise and add to it from time to time, particularly when I see this strategy being promoted in advice columns or seminars. After more than…

Examples of Some New Ways of Thinking

Transforming old messages into more constructive thoughts Old message: If only my students (or kids, spouse, boss, parents, the government, etc.) would change, my life would be better. New message: If my current behaviors (or thinking patterns) aren’t working for me, I am willing to change them.  Old message: Other people’s actions, words and attitudes create my feelings…

10 Characteristics of Healthy Adult-Child Relationships

Description of the characteristics Healthy, functional relationships between adults and children (including teacher-student relationships) are characterized by the following. Increasing the presence of these characteristics in your relationships is a great way to improve commitment, communications, cooperation, and consideration, and reduce stress and conflict as well! This list applies to parents and care-givers as well…