Ask Dr. John | Manchester Ink Link

Staying together for the kids? Is it always better?

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 Dr. John D. Rich Jr. 0

A marriage that started out so fabulously, with so much good will and optimism, is now so mired in darkness that the thought of divorce is a regular contemplation. In some cases, the children are the only reason the marriage is still intact, the weakest of glues holding a fragile ceramic figurine in one piece. READ MORE

Frustrated parent? How nonviolent punishment can become your most effective weapon

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 Carol Robidoux 0

If you have been saying, “I need help with my child’s behavior,” don’t fret. You are in control, even if it doesn’t feel like it. READ MORE

Ask Dr. John: Using rewards as part of your effective parenting toolbox

Wednesday, August 2, 2017 Dr. John D. Rich Jr. 0

Humans have many needs, one of which is the need for esteem. If your daughter does not hear positive words from you, she will seek positive regard from others the rest of her life. If your son never hears that you are proud of him, he will seek approval from others for the rest of his life. I wish to reiterate what we have discussed previously – just because your parents did it, doesn’t mean it was the best way to get it done. It is up to you, in the process of reading this here and now, to make decisions about the kind of parent you want to be, and the kind of child you want to help create. READ MORE

The imago: How our past can influence our relationship choices

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 Dr. John D. Rich Jr. 0

Describe your role in the relationship. Describe your partner’s role. What similarities do you see across your relationships? What similarities do you see between your relationships and the relationship your parents had? The answer to that last question is your imago. It is what you were taught a relationship was supposed to look like. READ MORE

Positive parenting tips: Be the parent you want your children to be

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 Dr. John D. Rich Jr. 0

The good news is related to the main message that I wish to communicate in all of my articles; that is, you have tremendous power as parents to influence your child’s entire future! Even if your parents treated you harshly, or didn’t have enough time for you; even if your mother or father was emotionally or physically abusive, you have the power to break the cycle! READ MORE

Effective parenting and discipline without spanking

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 Dr. John D. Rich Jr. 0

Our children are like aliens on our planet. Their only source of understanding about the way we expect people to behave is our words and actions directed to them. Every time your child misbehaves, this is an opportunity to teach them how to be a civilized human being. READ MORE

New feature: Ask Dr. John – Exploring the wild world of parenting

Sunday, July 9, 2017 Dr. John D. Rich Jr. 3

My experience as a parent, combined with my practice as a researcher, is something I want to share. Research about what good parenting looks like, what effective discipline is, and the importance of giving your child as much warmth and empathy as you can, is very consistent. READ MORE