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Posted 2 weeks ago

A child at school told my 3rd-grade son in detail about sex, specifically gay sex. I wasn't prepared to have this talk with him so young. My son repeated something perverted he heard from the...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues

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The first to cave foreits a win

Posted on 10/4/2022

Our 15-year-old son stays out of trouble & is a good kid. The main issue is school. C student who lacks study skills, time mgmt, organizational skills, & seems fairly unmotivated. We have tried...

Ages: Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years)

Topics: School Issues

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Natural Consequences Are EffectiveTeachers

Posted on 7/9/2022

My 9 year old boy frequently acts like a baby and very odd in a socially unacceptable way like a feral child. When leaving his friends he will say “bye friends” in a silly voice. He also was...

Ages: No Specific Age, Preschool (4-5 years), School Age (6-10 years), Pre-Teen (11-12 years)

Topics: Bullies/Bullying, Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, Elementary School, Manners, Miscellaneous Discipline Problems, Mothers, Play, School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills

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2nd Grader Needs to Change His Ways

Posted on 6/28/2022

Hi there, I have an 8-year old 2nd grader and his teacher has called us twice about his behaviour in school. He fidgets and moves, sometimes talks and jokes with friends whilst the teacher is...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Consequences/Punishment, Elementary School, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues

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4 Year Old Boy in Structured Academic Program? Not on My Watch!

Posted on 5/10/2022

Hello, Our 4 year old son is attending a private school this fall which will have a more structured environment than his daycare. He is a very hyperactive boy and I wondered if there were...

Ages: Preschool (4-5 years)

Topics: Daycare/Preschool, Homeschooling, School Issues

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12 Year Old Daughter Unmotivated to do School Work

Posted on 4/6/2022

My 12 year old daughter is not motivated to do school anymore. She is in 6th grade and has always been home-schooled. But now, she is just "dead in the water" and paddling no where. She just lays...

Ages: Pre-Teen (11-12 years)

Topics: Chores/Responsibilities, Homeschooling, School Issues, Teenage Issues

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Total Lack of Motivation

Posted on 3/27/2022

My 15.5 year old daughter is not under any form of care. She has a lack of motivation and general malaise. I have had her tested in the past, she has no issues. The major issues started with...

Ages: Older Teen/High School (16-18 years)

Topics: Homeschooling, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Teenage Issues

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It's Not About the Makeup: Time for a Garden Kick

Posted on 3/20/2022

15-year old daughter very obsessed with make-up. Used our Amazon account to buy makeup Products without our knowing till I looked up order history. Took away all her makeup products, went...

Ages: Pre-Teen (11-12 years), Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years), Older Teen/High School (16-18 years)

Topics: Arguments with Children, Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, Disobedience/Defiance, John's Discipline Methods, Lying, Manners, Miscellaneous Discipline Problems, Miscellaneous Editorial Columns, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, Rebellious Behavior, Respect, School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Teenage Issues

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Teenager Refusing to Go to School

Posted on 2/21/2022

We have transferred our 14-year-old son from his high school of 1500 students to a charter school which has under 300 students. Now, he's refusing to go to school, and we don't know what to do....

Ages: Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years)

Topics: School Issues

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7 year old Talking too much in school

Posted on 2/1/2022

Got a note from my seven year old's second grade teacher. She took a day off and the sub told her that Billy refused to stop talking and would not do his work. His regular teacher talked to him...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: School Issues

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Reading in the Morning or Reading in the Evening? Raising a Reader with Learning Challenges

Posted on 11/18/2021

I am homeschool my 7 year old child/grandchild. His Mother was diagnosed at age 7 with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder by Dr Lucia Karnes which made me confident the assessment was...

Ages: No Specific Age, School Age (6-10 years), Pre-Teen (11-12 years), Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years)

Topics: ADHD and other disorders, Character/Values (teaching), Developmental Issues (e.g. late talking), Grandparents/Grandchildren, Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Miscellaneous Editorial Columns, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Self-Esteem

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Nip It. Nip It Good.

Posted on 11/17/2021

Hi ParentGuru, I have a question about our 5yr old son who has come home from prep (1st year of primary school here in Melbourne Australia) after an incident in which he threw another student's...

Ages: Preschool (4-5 years)

Topics: Bullies/Bullying, Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, Discipline Methods (e.g. time-out), Disobedience/Defiance, John's Discipline Methods, Parent Leadership and Authority, Rebellious Behavior, Respect, School Issues, Tantrums

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A Sock in the Crotch: Focus on the Sock, not the Crotch

Posted on 11/12/2021

I did not find this on the very long list of topics so here goes: got a call from the teacher of my 6-year old grandson who said he is super bright- math and reading ( not sure if this is relevant...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Aggression, School Issues

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15 year old Daughter in Fistfight

Posted on 10/8/2021

15 year old daughter in a fistfight at school. Her story changes but the gist of it is that a girl she hadn't seen in 3 years wanted to talk to her (I doubt they hadn't spoken to each other in 3...

Ages: Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years)

Topics: Aggression, School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills, Teenage Issues

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Ask Them No Questions, and They Will Tell You No Lies

Posted on 9/28/2021

Hi! My seven year old was trained to fall asleep (8pm) on his own and he knows he’s to stay in bed until 7am. He has been waking up in the night around 2am and often stays up for the rest of the...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Bedtime/Sleep, Lying, School Issues

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Time for A Garden Kick

Posted on 8/27/2021

We have our 12 year old son's phone locked for certain reasons. If his grades slip below a B we lock it so he can only call family, if he is disrespectful or doesn't complete his chores, his...

Ages: Pre-Teen (11-12 years), Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years), Older Teen/High School (16-18 years)

Topics: Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, Discipline Methods (e.g. time-out), Father, John's Discipline Methods, Lying, Miscellaneous Discipline Problems, Miscellaneous Editorial Columns, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, Rebellious Behavior, Respect, School Issues, Teenage Issues

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I'm Down with Him Bein' a HomeBoy--a 4-year old's schooling

Posted on 6/13/2021

Good Afternoon, We are left with 3 decisions for my 4.5 year old boy regarding school next year: 1) Public JK where we hear the curriculum is very play based. 2) Montessori - will receive...

Ages: Preschool (4-5 years)

Topics: Daycare/Preschool, School Issues

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When Politics Enters Your Child's Education

Posted on 6/4/2021

I was shocked and surprised to find out that next week our kids Elementary School a Catholic School will be celebrating Pride week all week. Nothing was done to inform the parents.. I was I am...

Ages: Preschool (4-5 years), School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Character/Values (teaching), School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends)

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Turn Wasting Time into Making Time

Posted on 5/6/2021

Our 14 year old son has been home schooled this year with a combination of online classes with teachers and online self paced classes. He is struggling with time management. He is behind in most...

Ages: Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years)

Topics: Character/Values (teaching), Chores/Responsibilities, Consequences/Punishment, Homeschooling, Homework, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Teenage Issues

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To Retain or Not to Retain

Posted on 4/16/2021

My daughter is in 3rd grade at a Christian private school. She has struggled since kindergarten to keep up, but we helped her along, with tutoring and occupational therapy to help her with the...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Self-Esteem

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8 year old Caught Cheating (Again)

Posted on 1/31/2021

My 8 year old daughter was just caught cheating on a school assignment for the second time. The first time, she had filled in false numbers on her reading log to make it look like she had read...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Lying, School Issues

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10 yr old needs homework help and help being successful in a "zoom" classroom.

Posted on 1/25/2021

I read Dr Rosemonds book "The Well-Behaved Child" and have 2 questions regarding not helping kids with homework. Our now 10 yr old son was behind in school before covid hit. He barely made it past...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: School Issues

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It's All About Leadership and Love

Posted on 1/25/2021

Hello, we are over in the UK, back in full lock down, schools closed. I struggle with consistency, tiredness and forgetfulness. Even worse I feel humiliated and pathetic because I struggle with...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, Discipline Methods (e.g. time-out), Disobedience/Defiance, Divorce/Custody, Father, John's Discipline Methods, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, Respect, School Issues, Single Parents

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7-Year-Old Struggling in School

Posted on 1/15/2021

A good friend who I really respect recommended that I read your articles. I have really appreciated your advice and wanted to hear your perspective on our specific situation. Our son is 7 years...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: School Issues

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Grandson Needs to be Held More Accountable

Posted on 1/15/2021

I just pulled an old John article out of my drawer that I have had for years. It was about how therapy can be detrimental to a child and rarely works. Also talked about kids emotions and feelings...

Ages: Preschool (4-5 years), School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Aggression, Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, Disobedience/Defiance, Divorce/Custody, Electronics (Computers/Video Games/Television/Cell Phones), Extracurricular Activities/Hobbies, Grandparents/Grandchildren, John's Discipline Methods, Miscellaneous Discipline Problems, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, Rebellious Behavior, Respect, School Issues, Single Parents, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills, Step-Families

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How We Can Help

Posted on 12/21/2020

Good afternoon, We have an adopted boy in our Christian School that has had trouble working in a classroom environment. He does not seem to have learning disabilities, but if lessons seem...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: School Issues

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Loss of Grandfather Angers 13 year old Granddaughter

Posted on 12/5/2020

My 13 year old grandchild has been mad about everything since her grandfather died last year. Her grades are suffering and she has no interest in anything except playing on her phone. She has...

Ages: Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years)

Topics: Aggression, Disobedience/Defiance, School Issues, Teenage Issues

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Difficult is Not Bad

Posted on 12/2/2020

I am homeschooling my Grandson, who is in first grade. He is a bright child, but not motivated for school. He has struggled with handwriting and anything which requires manual dexterity, or fine...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years), Pre-Teen (11-12 years)

Topics: ADHD and other disorders, Character/Values (teaching), Developmental Issues (e.g. late talking), Grandparents/Grandchildren, Homeschooling, Homework, Learning Disabilities, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Single Parents

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It's Her Problem to Solve

Posted on 11/14/2020

My daughter is struggling in school since grade 2. She's in French immersion. She has failed three tests in a row so far because she didn't study for them.. Her teacher says that she seems to...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: ADHD and other disorders, Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, John's Discipline Methods, Learning Disabilities, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, Respect, School Issues

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Who pays for what - the college years

Posted on 11/8/2020

19 yr old in college on substantial scholarship not taking her academics seriously and, given the trajectory, will lose the scholarship come year's end. From her history, I think she's just a...

Ages: Young Adult (19-25 years)

Topics: Electronics (Computers/Video Games/Television/Cell Phones), School Issues

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This Girl Just Wants to Have Fun

Posted on 11/4/2020

My 8 year old daughter is struggling at school. She just wants to have fun and be creative mostly...Anyway she has failed two tests so far and now her teacher is asking me to sit down because she...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Consequences/Punishment, Parent Leadership and Authority, Respect, School Issues

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Prepare HS Senior or Repair College Freshman?

Posted on 11/1/2020

My son is a high school senior. He is a good kid, volunteers in the community and helps out around the home, doesn't drink or do drugs, respectful, etc. His grades have been mostly A's with a...

Ages: Older Teen/High School (16-18 years)

Topics: Consequences/Punishment, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues

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Keep Delicate Conversations As Simple as Possible

Posted on 10/22/2020

Hello! I am wondering how, when the topic comes up, should I address same sex relationships with my kids (mainly my 8 year old son for now; I also have a 4 year old daughter). We are Catholic...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years), Pre-Teen (11-12 years), Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years), Older Teen/High School (16-18 years)

Topics: Character/Values (teaching), Father, Manners, Miscellaneous Editorial Columns, Parent Leadership and Authority, Respect, School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills

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Adjusting to a New Pre School Can Be Hard

Posted on 9/25/2020

We are struggling with our 3-year-old at school. She started in PK-3 this year at a new school. The past 3 years she has been in daycare/pre-school. Where to begin... and by the way all of these...

Ages: Toddler (18MOS-3 years), Pre-Preschool (3 Year Old), Preschool (4-5 years)

Topics: Aggression, Anxieties, Fears, Daycare/Preschool, Miscellaneous Discipline Problems, Miscellaneous Editorial Columns, Rewards, School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills, Tantrums, Toilet Training

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Normal Kindergarten Boy

Posted on 9/21/2020

Our 5-year-old is struggling in kindergarten because of behavior. He runs around the classroom instead of staying in his seat, refuses to stay quiet (shouts) when the teacher is teaching and...

Ages: Preschool (4-5 years), School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, Discipline Methods (e.g. time-out), John's Discipline Methods, Parent Leadership and Authority, Respect, School Issues

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Unwell Mom Struggles with Screen Time Abuse

Posted on 9/19/2020

I am really unwell at the moment and my son is being kept home from school, I also have a 1 year old. I am trying to look after both while I get through this illness. Discipline has slided and...

Ages: Birth to 18MOS, School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Consequences/Punishment, Electronics (Computers/Video Games/Television/Cell Phones), Homeschooling, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Single Parents

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School Performance Ultimately Belongs to the Student

Posted on 8/20/2020

My son is going in the 3rd grade and so far has had great performance at school both with academics and behavior. When school went virtual in the spring, it was a horrible few months for both of...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Homework, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues

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What Is A Normal 3 Year Old?

Posted on 8/19/2020

Our little boy turns 3 in a week. He is one of the youngest in his preschool class (cutoff is 9/1 and his birthday is 8/25) and some classmates have been 3 since last fall. I feel that he is...

Ages: Toddler (18MOS-3 years), Pre-Preschool (3 Year Old), Preschool (4-5 years)

Topics: Daycare/Preschool, Developmental Issues (e.g. late talking), Miscellaneous Editorial Columns, School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills

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Assist with Homework - or Not?

Posted on 7/23/2020

Based on the book The Well Behaved Child, what age/grade should a parent stop assisting with homework?

Ages: No Specific Age

Topics: Homework, School Issues

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Emotional Intelligence Begins With Good Manners

Posted on 6/14/2020

Are you familiar with the term 2e kids? Or twice exceptional? Our 10 year old son appears to fall into this category. He is at above average intelligence, but his emotional iq is lacking and a...

Ages: No Specific Age, Toddler (18MOS-3 years), Pre-Preschool (3 Year Old), Preschool (4-5 years), School Age (6-10 years), Pre-Teen (11-12 years), Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years), Older Teen/High School (16-18 years)

Topics: ADHD and other disorders, Anxieties, Fears, Character/Values (teaching), Homeschooling, Learning Disabilities, Manners, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Shyness, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills

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Talking to Kids About Dyslexia

Posted on 6/11/2020

My son has a moderate case of dyslexia, and he is 10. Our daughter, who is 7, has a mild case of dyslexia. Our son, of course, knows he is dyslexic, however, we have not told our daughter she is...

Ages: No Specific Age, School Age (6-10 years), Pre-Teen (11-12 years)

Topics: ADHD and other disorders, Anxieties, Fears, Character/Values (teaching), Developmental Issues (e.g. late talking), Learning Disabilities, Mothers, School Issues, Self-Esteem

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Playing with Toy Guns- Keep It Simple

Posted on 5/2/2020

My son has taken an interest in gun play. He likes making guns with blocks of lego and sticks and playing with his nerf gun. I want him to enjoy this play but in a way that is fun and healthy,...

Ages: No Specific Age, Pre-Preschool (3 Year Old), Preschool (4-5 years), School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Character/Values (teaching), Manners, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills

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Lower the Boom on School Misbehavior

Posted on 1/22/2020

Our seven year old got sent to the principles office today for telling another student "I'm going to kill you". He was already one night into a three night bout of being banished to his room due...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Consequences/Punishment, Discipline Methods (e.g. time-out), Disobedience/Defiance, John's Discipline Methods, School Issues

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Little Victories

Posted on 1/16/2020

Not a question; more of a comment of thanks. I started the Ticket Method (at home for both home and school behaviors) a week ago and today my son's teacher (1st grade) sent me an email stating...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: Consequences/Punishment, Discipline Methods (e.g. time-out), Disobedience/Defiance, John's Discipline Methods, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues

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3 year old needs more time to adjust to playing at preschool

Posted on 1/13/2020

Hi! I have spoken with a coach via email, and was happy with the response. I recently spoke with my recently turned 3 year old son’s teachers, and had a chance to sit in on one of his church child...

Ages: Toddler (18MOS-3 years), Pre-Preschool (3 Year Old)

Topics: Daycare/Preschool, Manners, Mothers, School Issues, Social Issues (fighting/arguing with friends), Socialization/Social Skills

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Worry or Not?

Posted on 1/12/2020

41/2 year old grandchild’s 4 year old k4 teacher said she does not know her alphabet. She had big vocabulary and seems bright but just will not say them. Is this just her being stubborn? She...

Ages: Preschool (4-5 years)

Topics: Grandparents/Grandchildren, School Issues

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Is Child's Threat of Suicide a Cry for Help or for Attention?

Posted on 1/9/2020

My oldest is eleven and started middle school this year. Overall it has been a smooth transition. She has a great group of friends and likes school. She does not have a phone and has very limited...

Ages: Pre-Teen (11-12 years), Young Teen/Junior High (13-15 years)

Topics: Arguments with Children, Character/Values (teaching), Consequences/Punishment, Depression/Self-Harm, Manners, Mothers, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues, Socialization/Social Skills, Teenage Issues

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No Way to Treat a 7 Year Old Boy

Posted on 1/8/2020

My son is 7 years old and in 1st grade. He's had some problems with negative self-talk and is disruptive in class. (I think he’s a perfectionist who’s big on justice and is bored). His grades are...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: ADHD and other disorders, Chores/Responsibilities, Consequences/Punishment, Discipline Methods (e.g. time-out), Homeschooling, John's Discipline Methods, Parent Leadership and Authority, School Issues

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College Student Has Lesson to Learn

Posted on 12/31/2019

I am a single mom of ten years to one son. He just completed his first semester of college at a Christian school. His faith is stronger than ever, he met some great people, was selected to be a...

Ages: Young Adult (19-25 years)

Topics: Consequences/Punishment, School Issues, Single Parents

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Challenging "smile stones."

Posted on 12/19/2019

My 6 year old daughter visits the school nurse quite often for the tiniest of things. She seems to love the attention she gets when she is hurt... and it seems to happen a lot. She was coming home...

Ages: School Age (6-10 years)

Topics: School Issues

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