Heart Focused Parenting

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.

In this episode, I talk about what letting go as a parent really means. If we understand what we are letting go of it changes everything.  Letting go as a parent doesn't begin when your child leaves home - it starts much earlier, in the everyday decisions you make as they grow. This post explores how to transition from directive parenting to becoming an influence in your child's life.  With practical examples and clear mindset shifts, you'll learn how to prepare your teen and yourself as your kids grow towards being an adult.  Letting go isn't about losing connection or relationship - it's about changing how you let your child grow to be autonomous and self-governing.
 
Heart-focused Parenting Action step:
Choose one area where your teen is ready to take more responsibility and take a step this week to hand it over, allowing them to carry it and learn from it.
 
Read the blog here: Letting Go as a Parent: It is a good thing we need to do
 
Continue the conversation
As mentioned:  Have this conversation with your adult child, especially if they are living at home.  I mentioned this idea of having a transitioning conversation with your adult child so you are all on the same page  - you can find that article Have This Important Conversation When Your Child Becomes An Adult
 
Need help?  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
 
Instagram:  You can also find me on Instagram, where I share something most days.  Instagram.