Comments on: The Keys to Being a Good Parent

By: Dr. Mike Brooks

Dr. Mike Brooks — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:07:05 +0000

I think you are right on there – that “boundaries” would fit under both “Behavior Management” and “Safety.” And the effectiveness of setting boundaries is nested within the greater context of the relationship. To the extent that we have a strong bond with our children, it makes it more likely that they will listen to us and be respectful of the boundaries we set. Over time, we are teaching our kids to develop a skill set that allows them to follow their own compass…and manage their own behavior and be safe.

By: Scott Swain

Scott Swain — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:08:47 +0000

I really like this model. I like the way the parent’s needs seem to be figured highly in the equation. Where would “Boundaries – make them clear and stick to them” fit in, if at all? I’m a big believer in getting away from “punishment mentality” and at the same time I see some parents seem to confuse that with “you never say no to a child.” I get the reasoning behind that, where you want your child to see the world as being full of possibilities instead of limitations. But my fear is that a child never told “no”, when encountering the world outside of the loving nest, will not have the requisite tools. Another fear is that *within* the home, child-parent respect will suffer. So, to be clear, I’m not advocating for punishment. I’m advocating for boundaries and wondering which of the categories above this fits under. Behavior Management? Safety?

By: Louise McDermott

Louise McDermott — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:19:40 +0000

Dr. Epstein’s findings are generalizable to many relational situations including peers, co-workers, and extended families. The article make sense that the better once can take care of oneself, the more emotional “space” is available to care for children. Like the saying goes, “Put the oxygen mask on yourself before you place it on others.”