Dear Joyce, I have three children, and it seems like I am always repeating myself. They keep disobeying me, and the older they get, the more out of control our lives seem to be. What punishment should I give them so they stop disobeying? Sabrina Dear Sabrina, Discipline is a training process that involves setting boundaries and enforcing the boundaries with the ultimate goal of your child having self-discipline. Your…
Dear Joyce, Help! You mentioned that it is wise to sit with our child when they begin taking music lessons. I am doing that when Katie practices piano. She and I generally get along well, but as her piano pieces have grown more difficult, her frustration has increased . . . and so has mine! I have been trying to remain patient and encouraging, but I am failing miserably. Before…
Accept the reality: Real moms do not have immaculate houses without clutter.Real moms do not get everything done.Real moms look worn out at the end of the day.Real moms do not make gourmet meals every night.Real moms do not smile all day.Real moms make it through a day at a time. Real moms have the best reward . . . children who grow up, and the promise that someday they…
Dear Joyce, My kids are back in school (grade 4, grade 2 and preschool), but I feel like I am always running – I never get caught up!   I am a stay-at-home mom and not the most organized person. Dinner time is the worst since I am trying to help with homework at the same time. Please help me, Going Crazy Dear Going Crazy, I do have good news for…
