Empowering Parents - Strengthening Families by Dr Susan Chuang, Guelph University (webinar) notes

I am glad that I had the opportunity to attend this webinar during the weekend, since I missed the big conference here. Our names were changed and I became S. She was in another country. There were three topic challenges - As a parent - your child is facing - with partner/extended family. The question asked: If you were your child, would you want you as a parent? If your child could choose, would they pick you? Two weeks before birth, memories are formed (assuming a full term birth). (Finally - I remember and I was told it was impossible for years!) Day 1. Infant’s prefer mother’s milk, then strangers. Create boundaries at least at age 1. eg. no knives. Children will always push boundaries. Who is setting boundaries? Can negotiate with children, give phone - have limits eg. 20 minutes a day. If addiction begins, don’t just take it away. Punishment must fit the crime. I PAD smash on the floor? No - too much. Need to enforce accountability, reasoning, negotiate, discussion. Not punishment - addicted to phone? Let’s see how long you can stay away from the phone? What’s fair? Can stay away from the phone for two days? Yes, big deal. You can do it. Children also learn the skills on negotiation and communication skills. Eg. Go to bed at 8:30 to be continued……..