I was pleased to be asked to co Host a text discussion talk on The Motherhood this week with Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wanna Bees and one of the most level headed, fantastic women I've ever had the privilege to meet. The discussion centered around raising teens and tweens, keeping the lines of communication open and how to talk so that they will listen.
The summary of the class is posted on TheMotherhood, and I wanted to share the link with you. There are some FANTASTIC ideas there and really, if you didn't participate - I think you'll be happy with the time invested in reading the notes.
Once you've done so, come back here and tell me one bit of info from the talk - any bit, it doesn't have to be something I said, just something you found interesting or helpful - and you'll be entered to win a phenomenal prize.
The gift pack from Unilever will include a Vera Bradley bag; one sample each of Dove, Degree Girl and Degree Men deodorant; and Rosalind Wiseman’s books Queen Bees and Wannabes and Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials.
(my 14 year old read this book and loved it!)
I have one of those bags and it is exactly as great as it appears in the photo.
So, go, read, already!
The advice from everyone on dealing with the upset child not wanting to talk was excellent/ Some very good informaiton there. Thanks for sharing the link!
Posted by: addy | October 07, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Great information. I really appreciated the section on privacy and seeing how parents are handling FB, texting, etc.
Posted by: Vicky | October 07, 2011 at 09:52 PM
As a first time mom to a temperamental three year old, I have to say that I always hear comments like, "Just wait 'til he's older". This has seriously got me shaking in my boots about what is 10 years down the road. This whole conversation is pretty enlightening in general. I don't think I'll be able to use my own behavior and experiences as a tween to base on how to deal with my own child because my circumstances were, well, different than most... but reading this conversation will DEFINITELY be stored for future use! Especially the part about not losing my cool. That will come in handy for sure!
Posted by: Kimberly | October 07, 2011 at 11:09 PM
i liked the comment about telling your kids straight that they need to use deodorant, etc (like pointing out that people bully others due to odors, etc) -- very honest and to the point.
Posted by: becky dunnell | October 08, 2011 at 11:27 PM
From the site, I really like the Mind Jar idea from Carmen - looking forward to trying it out. The section on opening up communication reminded me of a very helpful technique I learned from a parenting conference speaker, Michael Brandwein - he said "Lean with a teen". It really worked to help me get my teenage daughter to start opening up to me - leaning against her door post or wall gave her the message that I was staying and open to hear her out.
Posted by: DebB | October 09, 2011 at 12:18 AM
I appreciated the differing views on technology use and monitoring. We are entering that phase soon! I also appreciated the advice to LISTEN. Sometimes that's all we need to do, and I often forget that.
Posted by: girlsmama | October 09, 2011 at 12:33 PM
One thing that stuck with me is talking about the small stuff... that way you don't have to have one BIG conversation about stuff like puberty. I'm trying to start this with my younger boys... a little at a time.
Posted by: Kristie | October 13, 2011 at 01:35 PM
I love Rosalind's book. It has helped me so much with my 10 year old DD. I love the link to the "mind jar". What a GREAT idea. Why didn't we think of that?
Posted by: Michele | October 17, 2011 at 02:51 PM
I like the section on listening and communication.
Posted by: Rebecca | October 18, 2011 at 12:38 AM
The tips on learning and how 2 communicate with your kids-
thanks
Posted by: Julie L | October 25, 2011 at 01:55 PM