PORTRAITS Cathy has received three calls from the principal of her son’s school in the past week.  Her son is constantly getting in trouble and she is becoming frustrated because she has no idea what to do about it. Doreen’s two daughters are constantly fighting with one another.  She can barely get anything done because one of them always seems to be running to her angry, hurt, or in tears. DEFINITIONS & KEY THOUGHTS Parenting is not an easy task.  As a parent you are given the authority over your children and must assume control of how they are raised. One’s role as a parent is constantly changing.  As children grow older and mature, one’s role becomes less active until eventually they serves as a friends and advisor to their adult children. There are various key components that contribute to good parenting.  Among the most important are: Love.  Children need physical contact, hugs, words of encouragement and affirmation, and quality time- all of which communicate … [Read more...]