From Power Struggles to Cooperation

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In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Quote of The Week - "Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded” - Unknown

• Javaree Talks - Choice & boundaries

• In the News - Gentle parenting explained

• Good on Social - Emotional regulation is a cognitive skill

• Money Moves - Use Monarch to monitor your spending and your networth

JAVAREE TALKS 

My wife jokes that I’ll Jedi mind tricks on our son, and she’s not wrong. Offering choices can feel like magic. But it’s not about manipulation. It’s about helping our son feel some control in a world where so many decisions are made for him each day.

Kids need boundaries. But they also need to feel like their voice matters. When we give them choices in the little things, we’re helping them feel respected and more likely to cooperate. For me, transitioning to bedtime had been the biggest struggle, so I offered simple, clear choices within my boundaries:

• “Do you want to brush your teeth before or after you put on your pajamas?”

• “Would you like to put your pants or shirt on first?”

• “Would you like to walk to the car or have me carry you?”

Simple optionality gives your child a sense of autonomy while keeping you in the lead.

But, let’s be absolutely clear, not everything is a choice.

That’s important, too. There are times when safety, schedule, or sanity require a decision. And that’s okay. Even when we need to hold firm on our decisions, we can do so with empathy. This approach can help us as dads maintain our boundaries with compassion and patience, making the process more bearable for us and our children.

• “I know you want more time at the park. It’s time to go now. Do you want to race to the car or hold my hand and walk?”

When we give our kids some control through offering choices, we’re not just avoiding resistance and promoting listening. We’re also teaching valuable life skills, such as decision-making, emotional management, and respect for boundaries.

Where in your daily routine would you offer your child more choices? And where do you need to hold firm with empathy?

IN THE NEWS

GOOD ON SOCIAL

MONEY MOVES

One of the most important things a dad can do for a family is take control of his finances. Tracking your income, spending, and investments provides peace of mind and relief, setting a strong foundation for your family’s future.

I use Monarch to stay on top of everything. It’s a game-changer for organizing finances, budgeting, and long-term planning. It’s empowered me to create a system that works for my family, and I highly recommend it.

💡 Special offer for my readers: Use my code HERE for 1 free month of Monarch.💡 (Note: I may receive a commission if you join through my link—thanks for supporting the newsletter!)

Q & A CORNER

Reply directly to this email with your question, or use this quick form to submit anonymously. Whether it’s about family routines, connecting with your kids, or managing stress, I’m here to help!

Let’s tackle parenting together, one question at a time!

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We help you:

• Discover your core parenting values.

• Learn personalized strategies for growth as a parent.

• Build and maintain a deep connection with your child.

• Establish a self-care and personal growth routine.

We aim to help you feel more fulfilled and confident in your parenting journey.

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