Melanie_Miller Archives - Sound Discipline

14May 2012 by Pase Garrett

An Ode to the Wild Things

Our children are born into an adult world where many experiences are new, confusing and often scary. They are working hard at taming the wild things. As parents, we can help our children make sense of the frightening things in the larger world around us.

05Mar 2012 by Pase Garrett

From Nagging to Noticing

Connection and love, Routines, Setting limits, Tips & Tools

Ever feel like the nagging parent…? “Why is your backpack still in the hallway?” “Can’t you ever learn to put your dishes in the dishwasher?” We keep repeating ourselves thinking that this time he/she will get it, they’ll finally do what I want them to do! Perhaps if we could listen to ourselves or make a quick video, we might see and hear insanity in action. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results doesn’t get us anywhere and it doesn’t help the relationships we have with our children.

12Jan 2012 by Pase Garrett

Why are girls so mean to each other? What can I do to help?

Connection and love, Feelings and emotions, Mistakes yours and theirs, Tips & Tools

Nearly every girl is affected by girl bullying also known as relational aggression either by providing the hurt, receiving the hurt or watching it happen to others. Relational aggression has been a part of our girls’ world for a long time. It often happens between friends and can result in long-term, devastating hurt for those involved. As parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and caregivers, we can support the girls we love through these heartbreaking times.

18Nov 2011 by Pase Garrett

Connection, connection, connection

Connection and love, Tips & Tools

Children who feel connection at home and school were protected from emotional distress and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Connection protected against violent behavior as well as cigarette, alcohol, or marijuana use; and it protected against early sexual activity.

18Oct 2011 by Pase Garrett

The compasses and maps of parenting

Science and parenting, Tips & Tools

Contributed by Melanie Miller, M.Ed.

I had the recent opportunity to take my daughter and her friends orienteering. Orienteering is where you use a map, compass and your powers of observation to navigate through a course of pre-set checkpoints. It’s a great way to explore the outdoors, discover new hikes and learn some map and compass skills. At each checkpoint, you study your map, set your compass and begin the trek to next check point, watching for landmarks along the way.

As we moved along the trail, I thought about my own parenting and what might be my parenting compass; …

29Sep 2011 by Pase Garrett

Dinner, it can still connect a family

Connection and love, Mutual Respect, Routines, Tips & Tools

Life wasn’t always perfect in my family, but it was those early dinners that anchored me to what is important in life and what is not. It’s why I work so hard to build connection times into my current family’s day, and dinner has become one of those times. It’s not easy to drift from a group when you’re meeting on a regular basis and you have a sense of connection to those present.

16May 2011 by Pase Garrett

Contributing Kids Become Capable Kids

Connection and love, Growing Responsibility, Motivation, Mutual Respect, Tips & Tools

Contributed by Melanie Miller, M.Ed.

Summer vacation is just around the corner, which could mean scheduling childcare, visits from Grandma and Grandpa, day camps and maybe even a summer camping trip for the family. It can all feel overwhelming during a time of year when we’re supposed to enjoy a little fun and relaxation.

This summer try something different. Summer is for families, so why not allow the whole family to be a part of the season’s planning?

Our children need to feel a sense of significance and can gain this by contributing to the greater good of the family. …

11Apr 2011 by Pase Garrett

Making Mistakes… the Great American Freedom

Mistakes yours and theirs, Tips & Tools

Failure can be an economic tool. As we strengthen our "muscles" to learn from mistakes, we get better at being creative and seeing opportunities.

14Mar 2011 by Pase Garrett

Did You Hear Me?

Connection and love, Feelings and emotions, Mutual Respect, Setting limits, Tips & Tools

How often do we say to our kids, “Did you hear me?” You’ve called them for dinner three times and they’re still sitting in front to the TV. You’ve asked them to not leave dirty dishes in the sink… and there they are, overflowing and not even rinsed! Did you know that our kids often ask us this same question?