March 25 | Finding yourself in a power struggle with grandparents?😫

March 25, 2022

tips & tricks for growth

grandparents undermining your parenting? here’s what you can do

The first thing to know is that you’re not alone. In a national poll asking parents of children ages 0-18 about parenting disagreements with grandparents, conducted by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, a vast majority of the families (89%) reported their kids saw a grandparent often or occasionally. And, out of those families, 43% said they had either minor or major disagreements with the grandparents about parenting choices: either the grandparents were too lenient, too tough, or both. That’s a significant number.

The most common disagreements included: issues of discipline (at #1), meals and snacks, TV and screen time, manners, and matters of health and safety—all very important parenting issues. Sound familiar?

No matter what your situation, there are some tactics you can use to handle parenting disagreements with the grandparents. Disagreements as to how to treat the grandkids is often multifaceted and complex. But we’ve got the breakdown here 👇

SEE TIPS ON GRANDPARENT CONFLICTS

4 ways to help your child deal with anger

By Mitchell Qualls

Eight years ago, my wife and I embarked on a journey. A journey with no map, no guidebook, and filled with mystery and surprise. A journey of blazing our own trails. You may know this journey… it’s called parenting.

Now, here we are with two curious, fun-loving adventurers, one 8 and one 5. Both of them are full of life and laughter and a full range of emotions. This stage of parenting brings a new element: navigating those emotions. The dirty diapers and potty training are gone; we live in a world of attitudes. Any other elementary-age parents out there feel me? I wasn’t ready for this.

One of the more challenging emotions to address has been anger.

😡 How do I help my child navigate being angry?

😡 How do I help them express their anger?

😡 Do I want them to be angry?

Before I go further, let me say this slowly and clearly: Anger is normal. There is nothing wrong with being angry. It’s what we do with anger that matters. Anger often reveals our passions and sense of justice. We just can’t let it control us.

You can help them express themselves in healthy ways.

SEE PARENTING TIPS THAT WORKED FOR US

what we’re lovin’

This week’s picks come from Kris Nash, wife to her husband of 25 years, Greg, #GirlMom of 3, and the Editor here at First Things First. Take a peek at her recommendations for this week because they are just THAT GOOD. Check ’em out 👀

🛍️ I love a good yard sale, but I’ve recently discovered “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook and I think I’m in love. If you can find a local group, it’s a convenient and practical way to give away stuff that someone else might want or need, or to get something you’d like to have without any money changing hands. (Borrowing is sometimes an option, too!) What a great tool for helping each other during the parenting years and beyond!

📱 Even though my kids are a little older, I get a ton of great practical tips/recipes from Kate Strickler at @NaptimeKitchen. Kate is on the same quest as so many of us: to use her time wisely and be there for others. So… naptime for her littles is when she can get some stuff done.

🏥 Inevitably, your family is gonna deal with a few aches and pains. Wouldn’t it be great to have access to a physical therapist who can give you body care tips? That’s where Dr. Jen Fraboni comes in. Check out @docjenfit for a few ways to not only relieve pain, but to be proactive in taking care of yourself and your kiddos. (This obviously doesn’t replace medical care!)