Have a New Kid by Friday

The Top Ten Countdown to Have a New Kid by Friday:

10. Be 100% consistent in your behavior.
9. Always follow through on what you say you will do.
8. Respond, don't react.
7. Count to 10 and ask yourself, "What would my old self do in this situation? What should the new me do?"
6. Never threaten your kids.
5. Never get angry. (If you do get angry, apologize quickly.)
4. Don't give any warnings. (If you warn your child, you're saying, "You're so stupid, I have to tell you twice.")
3. Ask yourself, "Whose problem is this?" (Don't own what isn't yours.)
2. Don't think the misbehavior will go away.
1. Keep a happy face on, even when you want to.....do something else.

On Monday:
1. Observe what's going on in your house. What areas in your relationship with your child really bother you?
2. Think about how you'd like things to change.
3. Decide to take the bull by the horns.
4. Expect great things to happen.

On Tuesday:
1. What is your attitude toward your kids?
2. How does your behavior reveal your attitude?
3. What changes do you need to make in your behavior toward your children?
4. What kind of character do you want to be known for? How can you get there?

On Wednesday:
1. What kind of parenting style do you have?
2. How does your child respond to this parenting style?
3. How can you adapt your parenting style to be more balanced?
4. In what ways can you emphasize relationship in your home?

On Thursday:
1. How can you show your child unconditional Acceptance?
2. How can you emphasize Belonging in your family?
3. In what ways can you spur your child on Competence?
4. Think about the difference between praise and encouragement. What truly encouraging thing can you say to your child today?

On Friday:
1. Review the key principles.
2. Identify the mountains you want to address.
3. Think through how you usually respond and how you'll respond now.
4. Get ready, get set......go!

MONDAY
In order for your child to know you mean business (and to keep you calm and rational):
1. Say it once.
2. Turn your back.
3. Walk away.

TUESDAY
It's all about the ABCs:
1. Attitude
2. Behavior
3. Character

3 simple strategies:
1. Let reality be the teacher.
2. Learn to respond rather than react.
3. B doesn't happen until A is completed.

WEDNESDAYDetermine your parenting style
1. Permissive
2. Authoritarian
3. Authoritative or responsible

THURSDAYEvaluate how to help your child develop the 3 pillars of self-worth:
1. Acceptance
2. Belonging
3. Competence

FRIDAYFun day....take action!

This is all from Dr. Kevin Leman's book "Have a New Kid by Friday."