The Top Ten Tips
That Every Power Parent Knows,
and Now You Will Too

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1. How to talk in code - We'll start out the tips by declaring that your family needs a language of your own, to keep the communication positive, fun, focused and supportive. Especially if your kids are in harm's way, you need a way to grab their attention quickly without sounding like a nasty nag or super-villain.


2. How to neutralize the troublemaker - When the tempers flair, you need to keep cool and distract, disarm, delight. Your secret weapon can be any simple, clever action of your own devising, but it needs to be road tested and kid approved before you are in an emergency.


3. How to overcome weaknesses - Some heroes have green rocks from their exploded home planet. You may have something even more sinister. A habit or a crutch that can cripple your family life. Whatever that is, you owe it to yourself, your partner and your kids to find a way to minimize it. Lead box anyone?





4. How to save the world - Every super hero has a mission. As the Chief Executive Hero of your household (or at least the deputy), you need to take your troops through a process of discovery to determine what your mission will be. Save the planet, or help your local charities. Power tip: Families bond when they are focused on helping others.


5. How to cultivate special powers - What secret talent has been hiding behind the business, stress and pace of parenthood? I bet your kids don't know about the tuba in Grandma's attic or the way you used to lead the debate team to victory. Recover your interests and help your kids develop special powers and talents of their own.


6. How to find your voice - How many times have you caught yourself pointlessly arguing with a three year old? With a little practice, a boost of confidence and the right (and unexpected) voice, you can overcome this endless spiral and get your kids to listen, respect you and do what you say. If you take no other parenting advice, try this one. (Hint: my three boys have been trained to answer my husband's serious-voiced requests with "Yes, Drill Sargent" and it works like a charm.)


7. How to create adventures - If you are like most families, you are tied up in endless knots of schedulism. Not good. Kids (and grown-ups) need a little freedom and downtime, time to explore their natural interests, and opportunities to be exposed to a huge world of treasures. Only you can save the day, and create memories that last a lifetime.



8. How to set great expectations - Man, if I had a dollar for every time I yelled at a kid for something he had no idea was wrong or dangerous. I wish I had these tips years ago. Learning to set out clear expectations about behavior and safety before they become Orange Alert status can make a huge difference.


9. How to inspire responsibility - The day I watched my 16 month old son climb up a stool and fix himself a paper cup of water from the sink, I knew I was doing okay at my job. Even the youngest kids thrive on responsibility and helping them realize that they are capable of helping themselves is the greatest gift a parent can give a child.


10. How to organize the family league - The last time we checked, they don't let toddlers drive, vote, drink or marry. But they did let you do those things. Maybe it's time to change the balance of power in your family and let those kids know that they are kids. They don't have to worry about grown up things, but you do have to worry about them. Create a clear framework for the chain of command in your family, and your kids will respond in miraculous ways.

Hey, no one's perfect. Need some help with a few of these tips? Keep exploring the site for powerful parenting advice, stories from the p-hood (parenthood, that is) and start a plan to pump up your power.

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