Why Nagging Never Works and What Really Creates Responsible Behavior

"Daddy doesn't NEED me to get my shoes on. He WANTS me to get my shoes on!" my nine-year-old cried from behind the bathroom door.

Oh, how right she was! 

What Messages Are You Sending? How to Raise Confident, Capable Kids!

Kids are listening to everything we say - even when we think they're not - and they're making memories out of the meaning they take away from their experiences. 

What are we teaching them about the world and life, and more importantly, what messages are they receiving?

Too often, our habits of reacting tell another story. Our intentions are not always clear and what our kids take away from situations is often misinterpreted. 

5 Proven Ways to Encourage Responsible Behavior in Your Kids

(Is your child under age 5? Click here for essential rules for communicating with young children)

"How can I be sure that I am encouraging responsible behavior in my children and not letting them "get away with things." - Tina, Mom of 3

This is a common and natural fear most parents have at one time or another.  

As kids grow past the preschool years, we typically expect them to display better behavior and more responsible actions.
 
However, what about those kids who don't seem to move past the meltdowns, or can't seem to stop and think before they act?

What's missing?

How is it possible to parent your children the same, and yet, have one who seems emotionally mature and on target, and another who appears to be stuck in juvenile behavior, unable to control his or her impulses?