Affirmation for the Month of October

I will consciously choose to seek the positive in everything I see and do. In trouble times, I will persevere and look for the rainbow that always follows a storm. Carol Bettino, MA, LPC

September's Affirmation

My personal well-being can be influenced by the positive and negative energies around me. It is my choice to embrace only the positive energy which will ultimately lead me to a happier and healthier life. Carol Bettino, MA, LPC

August Affirmation

When I am hurt by someone else's actions, I will remind myself that people's reactions are about them, not me. Although I cannot change them or what they did, I can choose not to let their behavior affect me. Carol Bettino, MA, LPC

July's Affirmation

When I feel lost or confused and don't know what direction to go, I will look up, knowing He will guide and direct me to make the best choice. Carol Bettino, MA, LPC

JUNE'S AFFIRMATION

When I feel overwhelmed,

I will choose to hold onto my inner strength.

Knowing and believing that I can, and I will

get through this and any other difficult situation.

Carol Bettino, MA, L.P.C.

May's Affirmation

It is my choice to see life's problems as individual moments in time. Therefore, it is my choice to embrace those moments and learn from them, or simply shred them and move on.
Carol Bettino, MA, LPC

Helpful Hint in Parenting

WARNING: Parents Don't be Liars

L - Don't lie to your children. Think before you speak. Don't say things you don't mean. Don't threaten if you are not going to back up what you say. If you give a consequence, follow through and don't give in. If you're a kid, it's hard to have respect and listen to a liar.

I - Don't be inconsistent. Let rules and consequences be realistic and not too strict. Don't give your children an opportunity to play one parent against the other. Be consistent in what you say. If you fall for tantrums, your children will consistently act out to get their way.

A - Don't argue with your children. You are the parent. If you say no, mean it. When you argue with your children they believe they can argue back. Be respectful to them but don't argue. When they try, acknowledge their feelings but remind them you will not change your mind.

R - Don't rage. It is disrespectful, hurtful and abusive to yell, scream, curse or hit your child. It may give you the immediate response you want, but it creates anger, shame, low self esteem and teaches them to rage at others. Kids can and do push buttons. Remain calm and stay in control.

S - Don't stifle your children's feelings. Children are sensitive and words do hurt. Validate your children's feelings and teach them how to deal with their emotions appropriately. If they try to manipulate you with their feelings, validate the feeling but don't fall for or give in.

Remember: Make good choices in your parenting because your kids are counting on you, and so is God. Happy Parenting. Carol Bettino, MA, LPC