Better parenting: Here's a secret weapon

Douglas A. Riley has the secret weapon for battling some of the constant challenges parents face. Dr. Riley’s Box of Tricks advises parents on how they can regain control and see a change in their kids’ behavior. But before you dive into the box of tricks, start with these tips on reprogramming your parenting.

Stay calm. Nix the idea that turning up your volume will improve communication between you and your child. Yelling will only scare younger children and encourage older ones to turn up the volume on whatever device they’re using to drown you out.

Stop arguing. Remember, you are the parent. Arguing with your kids will lead them to believe you are equals. Instead, see if you can practice this line: “Sorry. It’s not my job to argue with people your age.”

Stop trying to reason. Don’t continue to try to reason with a child who clearly is not listening to you. Get over the fact that you can’t use the same type of logic that serves you so well in other aspects of your life. No matter how powerful the argument, your child probably will still look up at you with a blank stare.

Have some fun. Simply having a good time with your children always leads to fewer problems and better relationships. And, of course, it reminds you why you like them. Dig up your sense of humor and get back to having some fun with your kid.

Keep it light. If you don’t have a sense of humor about this whole parenting business, you’ll drive yourself crazy. Remember to laugh about all the things your kids have done and will continue to do that drive you nuts. If you don’t, you might actually go nuts.