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Are you having fun as a family? Is your house full of laughter and joy? Ummm, I thought so. It’s often too hectic, isn’t it? Maybe too much negativity (yelling, lectures, fussing, pouting)? No time to sit down for an enjoyable dinner together due to overscheduling? Family activities (other than watching TV which is NOT a family activity) may be sporadic. And date night for mom and dad—what’s that?
 See side bar for information on Sharon's wonderful books for elementary-age children. There is a discounted price on the 5-book series that even includes a darling Nicholas puppet.
These books are "co-authored" by Sharon's beloved cocker spaniel Nicholas who shares true antics by him and his animal buddies to gently and lovingly present important living skills. Each book is filled with problem-solving exercises, delightful illustrations and easy-to-follow suggestions. His inquisitive childlike qualities make him the perfect guide on difficult and important subjects. See "The Nicholas Collection" at www.hrdpress.com/SharonScott .
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Since spring is just around the corner--March 20, think of this as a time to freshen not just your house, but your family as well. Delegate responsibilities so that the children are helping and, if needed, link privileges with those responsibilities to "motivate” them to follow through. If everyone pitches in then there is more time for all to plan some fun things to do together.
Remember you can discipline in your normal tone of voice. Yelling is not mandatory for corrections. In fact, it’s far better if you make it short and calm. You appear more serious that way. State the infraction and the consequence with a fair time limit. Let the consequence reprimand rather than your mouth.
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Think of fun things to do with your children. The weather should soon start getting warmer so get out doors with them to play catch, walk the dog or have a late night look at the stars. It can be fun to plan things around holidays too. For St. Patrick’s Day, you could serve a totally green meal such as pasta with pesto sauce or green chili enchiladas. Add a green salad, lime jello with pears for dessert and green tea to drink. And, whether Irish or not, teach them the saying "Kiss me, I’m Irish!” Perhaps google St Patrick’s Day and at dinner discuss how this day got started. The point is being creative for family fun is not too difficult. And it keeps your kids guessing as to what next you’ll be up to!
Happy Spring! Kiss me… I’m Irish (I really am)!
Copyright © 2010, Sharon Scott. No reproduction without written permission from author.
P.S. Please read my other column, The Counselor’s Corner, titled The IM Generation.
Sharon Scott, LPC, LMFT, has been making a difference in peoples’ lives for 30 years though her international keynotes and workshops, her eight award-winning books, and her private counseling services. Five of her books are a charming series for elementary-age children that she "co-authored" with her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas. Each beautifully illustrated book teaches a valuable living skill such as managing emotions in Life’s Not Always Fair, building character in Nicholas’ Values, and making wise choices in Too Smart for Trouble. Sharon’s best-seller for teens is How to Say No and Keep Your Friends, 2nd Ed. Her books are available from HRD Press, 800-822-2801 or www.hrdpress.com/SharonScott . For more information on Sharon’s many workshop topics that she can bring to your child’s school or community, please see her website at www.SharonScott.com.
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Listen to
Families Online Radio Interview with Sharon Scott
Books That Work!
By Sharon Scott
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Family counselor Sharon Scott is the author of 8 books including this delightful series for children that is "co-authored" by her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas who makes learning valuable life skills fun.
 Too Smart for Trouble, a best-selling, award-winning book, teaches children to think on their own and how to say no when asked to do something wrong.
 Not Better... Not Worse... Just Different is must reading for children to learn to be more sensitive to others, avoid bullying and know how to handle teasing.
 Life's Not Always Fair is a child's guide for managing emotions and learning to soothe oneself when mad, sad, scared or confused.
Nicholas' Values is a delightful guide helping children develop good character traits such as honesty, confidence, sharing and so much more!
Too Cool for Drugs helps children learn why and how to say no to drugs--drug education must begin in the home at an early age!
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