Heart Focused Parenting

About this Episode
We love seeing and celebrating our children's natural strengths, abilities and personality, but sometimes those strengths can cause us to overlook poor choices or character issues. In this episode, I talk about why strengths need character to mature, and how qualities such as humility, respect, diligence, self-control and responsibility help our children use their abilities wisely. As parents, we need to see both - the strengths God has given our children and the character qualities they still need to develop.
 
Heart-focused Parenting Action Step
Choose one of your child's natural strengths or abilities and ask: What character qualities does my child need in order to use this strength wisely? Identify one character quality to intentionally teach, practise, encourage and eventually expect in their everyday choices.
 
Read the blog here:  
Don't Let Your Child's Strengths Excuse Poor Character (#120)



Continue the conversation
If you want help in defining a character trait that will help your child in their areas of strength then feel free to shoot me an email to talk about it.  belinda [at] belindaletchford.com
Don't forget to sign up for my weekly Heart Booster emails - regular encouragements for parents who want to be intentional, relational and heart-focused. 
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days.  Instagram.

A bigger vision for the high school years can help you make confident decisions about your teen's education. 
About this Episode
The high school years can make homeschool parents question whether they are doing enough or making the right educational choices. In this episode, I look at the purpose of high school and why I believe it is about preparing our teens for adult life, not simply academics, university or a job. Having that bigger vision gives us a framework for making decisions about our teen's education based on their strengths, interests and needs, rather than simply following what high school is expected to look like.
 
Heart-focused Parenting Action Step
Take some time to define what you believe the purpose of the high school years is. Then use that WHY as a guide when you make decisions about your teen's education. Consider signing up for the free Deschooling workshop to help you homeschool your kids while processing this important step.
 
Links Mentioned
Whole Child Based Homeschool Scope and Sequence

Starting Homeschool Hub on my website
 
Read the blog here:  Homeschooling High School Is About More Than Academics (#119) 
 
Continue the conversation
If you'd like to learn more about Deschooling for a Strong Homeschool Workshop (free 2-part Heart Connect Video Class).
If you'd like personal support applying this in your own family/homeschool, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here.  Parent Coaching
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days.  Instagram.

In this episode, we're looking at the difference between changing a child's behaviour and simply trying to control it. I share why heart-focused parenting aims to teach children what is good, right and wise by growing in the virtues that motivate wise choices, rather than just expecting outward obedience. When children understand the values behind everyday expectations, they're better equipped to make wise choices long after we're no longer standing beside them.
Heart-focused Parenting Action Step:
Choose one behaviour you want to see in your child, identify the virtue behind it, and begin talking about and practising that character trait together this week.
 
Read the blog here:  Changing Behaviour Without Behaviour Modification
 
URL: https://belindaletchford.com/how-to-change-child-behaviour



Continue the conversation (3 links)
If this episode resonated with you, you're welcome to join my weekly Heart Booster emails - regular encouragements for parents who want to be intentional, relational and heart-focused.  



I mentioned the episode about parental authority - you can catch up about that here. How to Use Parental Authority to Help Your Children Grow
https://belindaletchford.com/how-to-use-parental-authority-to-help-your-children-grow/
 
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days.  Instagram.

In this episode, I unpack four healthy ways parents use their authority in family life. We look at how authority isn't meant for control or convenience, but for setting values, creating expectations, teaching and training children, and putting structures in place that help them grow in wisdom and character.
When we have a right understanding of authority and how it is used in our family, parents can give their children the direction they need without sacrificing the relationship.
 
Heart-focused Parenting Action Step
Take a few minutes this week to reflect on what you believe about parental authority and ask whether the way you use it is helping your child grow with dignity, wisdom and responsibility.
Read the blog here:  How to Use Parental Authority to Help Your Children Grow
 
Continue the conversation
Listen to the previous podcast about our parental authority:  How to Use Parental Authority Without Controlling your Kids
 
If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here.  Parent Coaching
 
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days.  Instagram.

Many parents step back from using authority because they don't want to be controlling. But removing authority doesn't remove responsibility. We are still responsible for our child's safety, development, and training. Authority is simply the position we hold because of that responsibility. In this episode, I talk about how we find the healthy balance of parental authority and respecting our child's personhood.
 
Heart-Focused Parenting Action Step
Take time this week to consider how you view your authority as a parent, and whether you are using it as a responsibility to lead your child towards what is right, good, and true.
Read the blog here:  How to Use Parental Authority Without Controlling your Kids  (#116)
 
Continue the conversation 
If this episode resonated with you, you're welcome to join my weekly Heart Booster emails - regular encouragements for parents who want to be intentional, relational and heart-focused.  
 
If you'd like personal support applying these ideas in your own family, you can learn more about one-on-one coaching here.  Parent Coaching
 
You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days.  Instagram.