We've provided several tips that can help resolve conflicts related to everyday activities, such as bedtime, mealtime, homework and household chores.

Bedtime - Making Bedtime Easier

Bedtime is often a time of conflict. Children can find all kinds of ways to delay bedtime, such as asking to play another game, watch one more show, failing to go to the bathroom, brush teeth or put on pajamas. Some children won't stay in bed. They get up constantly for more water, trips to the bathroom, etc.

As a parent, you know how frustrating it can be, because you also need time for yourself at the end of a long day. However, there are some rules that, when practiced every night, can make things easier.

Establish a bedtime routine and do not deviate from it:

• Set an appropriate bedtime for your child and stick to it.
• Ask older children for their input.

• Schedule a quiet activity 30 minutes before bed to allow your
• child to wind down.

• Immediately before bed, have your child brush teeth, put on
• pajamas and use the bathroom.

• When your children are in bed, sit with them for five to ten
• minutes to talk or read a story and say good night.

• Turn off the light for younger children and make sure the night
• light is on. Allow older children to turn off their own lights within
• half an hour after bedtime.

• Any bedtime problems will result in an earlier bedtime the
• following night.

Routines such as these are what make the world more predictable. And they're an excellent way to teach good habits and give your children structure to their lives.

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Mealtime - Taking the Tension out of Meal Time




Everyone is tired and hungry at the end of the day, so meal time is often a setting for family problems. For example, weary parents may view dinner as a chore, while cranky children refuse to eat.



Here are some things your family can focus on:

• Avoid snacking immediately before the meal.

• Have a set meal time.

• Rotate responsibility for table setting, clearing the table and
• washing dishes.

• Eat together as a family with the television off, including dessert.

• Require that children request permission to leave the table.

• Serve children portions small enough for their age and size.

• Only require your children to eat or sample one non-desired
• food item per meal.

• Serve dessert only if your children have eaten enough dinner food
• and tasted a non-desired food item.

• If children refuse to eat at dinner time, remove the food without
• comment and do not offer another meal until the next scheduled family meal.

Again, establishing a dinner routine will promote a peaceful mealtime and good eating habits for your family.

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Homework - Supervising Homework


Many parents shoulder the responsibility for making sure that their children's homework is completed. The key is to help children develop routines to become responsible for completing homework Accurately and consistently.


You should:

• Provide a quiet, comfortable place to study.

• Set specific time for homework to be done.

• Be available as needed for assistance and checking.

• Allow other activities only after homework is complete.

• Know the teacher's expectations regarding homework.

Another way you can help your children is by teaching them to keep all their schoolwork together in a conspicuous place so it won't be forgotten.

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Chores - Household Chores


Good work habits begin when children are young. These habits include beginning a project on time, staying with the task, being thorough and completing tasks in a timely manner.

As children grow older, they can assume household chores -- such as taking out the trash and vacuuming. Even young chilren can learn to put away toys and keep rooms tidy.

Some guidelines to help make this go smoothly:

• Set a time when the chore should be done.

• Check to make sure the chore was completed as you asked.

• Reinforce your child imediately for a job well done.

• Let them know what will happen if the chore is not completed.

• Ignore complaints and explanations.

• Do not do the task for the child.

Helping your children establish good work habits at a young age promotes organization and responsibility.

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At The Center, we understand how difficult parenting can be. If you need special help, or have any questions, please contact the Center online or call us at:
(501) 452-6650 Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5pm or (800) 542-1031 24-Hour Crisis Line

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