Parenting Guru

Many young girls have an adventurous side, but are held back by shyness and inner conflict. They want to explore the world, and experience the exciting things out there, but are unable to get the confidence to do it.

Dana Lurie, creator of Tomgirlz says, “Reading is a way to get into someone else’s head a little bit. Writing was an escape for me as well as a sense of expression where you can create new worlds, make the endings and make the people be what you want. It was my way of having control.”

Dana was a shy, quiet child. Her inhibitions stopped her from doing all the things she wanted to do. She began noticing this same trend in her daughter and decided to become proactive in doing something about it. Through her experiences, she guided her daughter past this into a great self-image and healthy self-respect.

Through her books, she shares tips and strategies for girls to become happier and healthier.

Help your children realize that everything does not always go smoothly. There are conflicts in life. The trick is to have the right attitude to deal with disappointment. Be there for your friends, support each other, and stay positive.

It is important for children, especially girls to have a positive label:

- Good thinking begins with positive labels.
- What girls hear about themselves or the way they label themselves becomes how they feel about themselves.
- Create a new label that emphasized it is okay to be who you are. You don’t have to be what someone else tells you to be.
- Remember you are fine the way you are.

Children should be involved in reading clean, good adventures with positive role models.

- There are a lot of great books out there and new books coming out all the time.
- Watch what your children are reading.
-Get them involved in reading by providing age appropriate, interesting books.
- Go to the library and book fairs with your child. Choosing the right book is the perfect way to get your child excited about reading.

Encourage your children to be creative and adventurous. Tell your children to do everything big and to dream big. Help dreams come true for your child.

Motivate your children to become a better people. Discuss their positive traits often. Your children want you to be proud of them, love them and say good things about them. They will listen and work hard to earn your approval.

Start goal setting with small children. Begin with short term goals like: keeping their room clean, and putting toys away.

Make a plan with them.

- Write out the plan for your children.
- Print the plan and go over it with your children explaining what you would like them to accomplish.
- Recognize how much assistance your children need and praise their accomplishments.

Focus on your own children’s goals and not how they compete with other children.

Try to avoid labeling wherever possible. Labels lead to feelings of inferiority or superiority. Some children will feel ostracized while others will feel they are above everyone else.

Get your school board involved in using labels that help all children feel accepted and worthy. Use terms that increase self-esteem, acceptance and worthiness in all children.

Follow these proactive tips to help your children’s dreams come true. Give them the gift of reading to open doors they never thought possible.

Dr. Proactive, Randy Gilbert enjoys producing the “Inside Parenting Success” show hosted by Jodie Lynn. She presents her insightful interview with Dana Lurie based upon the techniques from her book. Hear the entire interview for free at: http://www.insidesuccessradio.com/Guests/Dana-Lurie