Successful Child

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy was created to demonstrate our firm commitment to your privacy and the protection of your information. Any information that is collected on my site is for the sole purpose of responding to your requests or contacting you regarding any new updates. Information pertaining to newsletter sign-up is voluntary. We respect your time and attention by controlling the frequency of my mailings.

If you no longer wish to recieve any emails from Smart Bee Coaching, LLC, each email sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving email from us, or to change your expressed interests. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any email.

Although we do provide links to other websites, we are not responsible for the privacy policy of these sites.

We may make revisions to this privacy policy as we see necessary.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your privacy, please contact us.

The Successful Child.com Web Site (the "Site") is an online information service provided by Smart Bee Coaching, LLC ("Smart Bee Coaching, LLC"), subject to your compliance with the terms and conditions set forth below.

By visiting this site, visitors and coaching clients assume the total responsibility of the use of my services. The material provided on this site is for information purposes only. Smart Bee Coaching, LLC does not make any implications, guarantees or endorsement of any related sites or services. In addition, any information or suggestions provided to you from me are provided without any guarantee. Smart Bee Coaching, LLC will not be held responsible or liable for any statements made to you.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Smart Bee Coaching, LLC and any other parties against all losses, resulting from any violation of this disclaimer by you or any other person using Smart Bee Coaching, LLC services or products.

Smart Bee Coaching, LLC complies with the Children's Protection Act of 2002. In compliance with federal law, we do not knowingly collect information or accept coaching inquiries from children under the age of 13. If we are made aware that information has been collected was from someone under 13, we will purge our database of all information by the user.

Contact Us

Have a question, comment or suggestion? Contact us and let us know what your thoughts!

Click Here to Subscribe to Successful Child.com for FREE! Your privacy is important to us. Your email will never be sold, distributed or shared. Please read our Privacy Policy.

We welcome your inquiries, comments and suggestions for the following:

Successful Child.com Subscription
Free Coaching Session
Parenting Classes

If you're interested in a free coaching session, please indicate what days and time work best for you.

Specials and Great Products

June's Specials:

Does your middle school child need some help with their classes. Give them the extra edge with a free cd (Original price- $24.95) software that offers 2 years of curriculum (Shipping and handling is $7.95 per item). Supplies are limited, so act quickly.

Books for the whole family from .50¢ at BookCloseouts.com

Recommended product: 101 Conversations with Your First Grader - $2.99

Does your child need help with the SAT? Check out our Free SAT Test Prep Sites and buy Perfect 1600 Score: The 7 Secrets of Acing the SAT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are your looking for reliable, challenging resources for your child? Would you like to supplement what your child learns from school at home? Check out a load of books, activities, lessons plans and more at prices you can afford.

Homeschooling Info
Smarter Kids.com
Easy Way to Pass Exams-Just $10.00!
Boost Your Child's Vocabulary-- 101 Word Games to Play in the Car
Discover how you can foster an early love of reading for your baby or toddler
Magic Learning System - Help your child dramatically improve test scores and grades. On sale for $47.00!

Want to help your child build strategic thinking and problem solving skills? Give your child the competitive edge with these great products for just $5.00 each!

Strategic Challenges Collection 1 &2
Thinkin Things Collection 2&3
Dr. Brain Thinking Games
Chess Master 7000
Maurice Ashley Teaches Chess (Recommended Product-Quick and easy, my six year old son learned how to play in one day)

Want to know how you can give your child a practically free college education regardless of excessive credit debt? Unless you're Donald Trump, you should check out this e-book.

How To Send Your Child To College for Free

Freebies for Parents and Kids

If your motto is : "If it's free, it's for me", then you're going to love all the free stuff that we have for you. From free K-12 state testing help to free SAT Math and Vocabulary help, this is your one stop deal for freebies. You'll also find free assessments, free children's games, free learning games, and free online courses. Free SAT self practice tests. Improve your SAT scores!

Free SAT Test Prep and Practice Sites:

Free Practice State Exams for Grades 3,4, & 8:

How to Silence Your Child's Inner Critic

Children do what feels good to them and follow their natural instincts. Well meaning parents teach children that it is not socially acceptable to behave in certain ways, thus going against a child's natural inclinations. Children internalize the voices from their parents, teachers and other adults in their lives and start to criticize themselves. Although parents are being helpful, this often contributes to the birth of the inner critic.

Who is the Inner Critic?

The inner critic is the voice inside everyone's head who periodically points out our failures, inadequacies, and our shortcomings. Although disguised as a friend, confidante, this inner critic sabotages our best interest. The inner critic undermines our belief in our abilities.

In children, the inner critic tells the child that they are not smart enough, good enough, or talented enough to accomplish their goals. Children start to use their inner dialog as a defense mechanism against the world. The inner critic criticizes the child before the world can. The inner critic gets the child to believe that it is helping the child by offering "constructive criticism". The truth is that criticism can never be constructive. According to Merriam -Webster dictionary, the definition of constructive is: promoting improvement or development, while the definition of criticize is: to find fault with: point out the faults of. Since the inner critic is so powerful and convincing, how can parents help their children deal with their inner critic?

Help children to identify when their inner critic is attacking. Since the inner critic attacks mentally, physically and emotionally, you can help your child to know when the inner critic is set in motion.

Signs of the inner critic are fear, feeling powerless, feeling disappointed or discouraged, feeling tired or sick (such as a belly ache or headache), self blame and lack of motivation. Once the child senses when the inner critic is at play, help them to observe the underlying situation. What is the inner critic telling your child that he/she can not or should not do? Tell you child to observe what he/she is feeling physically and emotionally when the inner critic attacks. It might be helpful to have your child write down whatever he/she is feeling. It could be just one sentence such as: I am not a good at math. My hands get sweaty and my stomach hurts when I have to take a math test. Have your child do this whenever he/she notices the inner critic. If your child is young, ask him/her to draw a picture about what it feels like.

Help your child to develop powerful self-talk. Helping your child to develop powerful self -talk takes time and practice. This is a tool that is useful for parents too! It is very easy for us to name our weaknesses or to recognize our limiting beliefs. However, it takes time for us to identify our strengths and potential. Try this exercise: Ask you child to tell you 5 things he/she believes is a weakness or something he/she is not good at. Time how long it take for them to respond. Next, ask 5 things he/she knows is strength or something he/she is good at. Time how long it takes for a response again. Most children who have a healthy self-esteem and practice powerful self talk are able to tell you their strengths much quicker than their weaknesses. You can help your child nurture his/her strengths by brainstorming on strengths and helping your child to use his/her strengths more often. Make a list of all the strengths and post it on the wall, where your child can see it on a daily basis. Start to focus less on your child's weaknesses and more on their strengths.

Use your relaxation techniques with your child. Have your child practice deep breathing or use any other method that calms him/her down. For breathing exercises, have your child concentrate on his/her breathing and to visualize the air going in and out. Massage your child's head, neck and shoulders and loosen tight muscles. Use this opportunity for your child to open up and talk. If your child starts talking, just listen without interrupting.

Offer positive feedback. Listen to how your child explains what failure means to them. How does your child react when he/she fails a test or scores lower than expected? Find out what position your child takes on his/her accomplishments or failures? Don't rush to solve the problem or tell your child why he/she failed. Let your child use critical thinking skills to identify what is going on. If you notice your child making excuses or talking down to him or self, make your child aware of it. Help your child to problem solve by letting them talk and you listen.

Be a role model. Do you have a grasp on your inner critic? Does your child notice how you behave when your inner critic attacks? When you are disappointed or have failed at something, talk to your child about it. Be honest with your child about your own inner critic. Notice how you behave when your inner critic attacks and set the example for your child. Let your child see you demonstrating healthy ways of dealing with disappointment.

One thing to remember is that the inner critic never goes away. As parents, we can offer support and encouragement to our children to let them know we are here to help them. Watch your language, let your child dream big, and focus on your child's strengths. By being aware of their inner critic, children can transform the inner voice from a critic to a useful guide.

Useful resources:

A Free Introduction to Taming Your Gremlin for Kids: A Road Map for Raising a Confident Child. http://www.tamingyourgremlin.com/tyg_teleclasses.cfm

PDT A Parent’s Alphabet for Building Self Esteem- http://www.ops.org/reading/self_esteem_.html

50 Ways to Bring Out Your Child’s Best- http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/articles/50_ways.htm

How Well Do You Know Your Child?

Do you think you really know your child? I don't mean know what he/she likes and doesn't like, but to know him/her well enough to understand his/her challenges, to appreciate his/her strengths and weaknesses and to help him/her develop his talents. Knowing your children can help increase their chance for success in the future and improve your relationship.

As parents, we are constantly looking for ways to improve out relationship with our children, discipline our children and provide proper guidance. How many of us take the time to get to really know our child? Some of us believe that our children are extensions of us and don't have their own thoughts, dreams and goals. When was the last time you sat down with your child to find out what they are thinking? The answers may surprise you. Children, especially during puberty, start to discover and develop their identity. They go through an emotional and psychological identity crisis and question and challenge their parents. At this point, children start to crave support and direction from their parents, but are not always compelled to ask for it. But how can you help your child, if you do not know their needs? Simple, ask them!

You are not a mind reader and your child probably will not voluntarily share his/her personal information with you. When you start to offer unsolicited advice, they feel that you are being intrusive or nosy and get defensive.

There are two simple steps to getting to know your child.

The first step is to listen more and speak less. Let your child direct the conversation and when they ask for your advice, offer it without being judgmental or critical. Lecturing and berating your child for poor judgment or unhealthy decisions will not help you to understand him/her more because you will not be getting to the core reason for the behavior. If you do not have the proper information, how can you give your child the support that he/she needs? By listening, you will be able to help your child understand how their choices and decisions affect their lives and direct them to making healthier and more responsible decisions. By being an active listener, you learn to acknowledge what your child is feeling and give your child the information and advice that he/she needs.

The second step is to ask the questions that will create meaningful conversation. The typical responses to “How was your day?” are “Good” or “Fine.” Ask open ended questions instead of closed ended questions that result in one word responses. Ask specific rather than general questions that will stimulate your child to think. Show your child that you have a genuine interest in what is going on in his/her life. Don't force this process, let it come naturally and soon your child will respond. Ask casually and soon your child will start to volunteer the information. Find out who influences your child. Even ask tough questions such as, "How do you feel about our family?" The point is not to judge your child's responses, but to know what he/she is thinking or how he/she is feeling. Ask your child if he/she has any resolutions for this year. What was his/her biggest challenge or setback last year? Ask the questions without interrogating. Don't bombard them with questions or you may face resistance. Resolve today to spend a few minutes each day getting to know your child better. This is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to your child.

Recommended Further Reading:
http://www.personalitylab.org/tests/ccq_parent_choose.htm
http://www.cfc-efc.ca/docs/cccf/rs007_en.htm/

Develop Your Child's Critical Thinking Skills

1. Encourage Questions. Don't answer every question, instead ask what do they think. Asking questions stimulates conversation between you and your child.

2. Don't Criticize.

Criticism invites low self-esteem. Children feel that they have failed or disappointed their parents when they are criticized. Find alternate ways of correcting the problem. A child will likely shut down communication if they feel that their parents are not supportive. Ask your child's opinion on how they think they did on a project or homework assignment. Tell them how well they performed a task and ask them questions on how they completed it.

3. Respect Your Child's Opinions.

Your child is not an extension of you. Although it is difficult to accept at times, it is normal and healthy for your child to have their own opinion. Children who are confident in expressing their opinions are less likely to join gangs or succumb to peer pressure.

4. Teach Your Child To Embrace Diversity.

Encourage your child to learn about different cultures and ethnicities. A well informed child can will understand and respect other people's values.

5. Teach Your Child To Set Personal Boundaries.

Children need to have their personal space respected in order for them to respect other people's personal space. Help your child to establish their boundaries and insist that he/she enforce them with their peers.

6. Establish A Nurturing Environment.

Children thrive in environments in which they know they are loved and respected. Remind them every day that you love them and support them.

7. Understand Your Child's Thinking Process.

In order for you to be an advocate for your child in school, you must know and understand how your child learns. Is he/she creative, logical, musical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic? Know your child's capabilities and accept their creativity.

8. Let Them Think For Themselves.

Encourage independent thinking. Let your child decide (within reason) what is appropriate for them. Give them enough room to make decisions, but also be there in case their plans don't work out.

9. Teach Them Stress Management Skills.

Help your child to effectively deal with stress. Try not to contribute to their stress with demands and unrealistic expectations. Make learning fun!

10. Teach Your Child To Trust His/Her Instincts.

In order for children to be successful in life, they must learn how to trust their decisions. Your child needs to be confident in trusting his/her instincts and feelings. Children who trust themselves are less likely to participate in unhealthy behaviors.

Helpful links:

$5 Dollar Software for helping to develop your child's critical thinking skills: http://tinyurl.com/4q363

Learn your child's learning style: http://tinyurl.com/5rojv

Books and toys to help develop your child's critical thinking: http://tinyurl.com/5puex

Software to help develop your child's critical thinking skills: http://www.crmsoftwares.com/auss021.html

Ten Empowering Tips For Teens

A teen’s life is filled with confusion, decisions, stress and peer pressure. As parents, we must encourage and support their needs. Use this article as a guide to empower your teen and build self-confidence and promote responsible behavior.

1. Be Who You Were Meant To Be.

Role Models are inspiring, but you can not spend your life trying to be like them. Your gifts, skills and talents are unique; don't waste them trying to be like someone else. There is no one else on earth like you; embrace and flaunt the wonderful you!

2. Be In Control.

Drugs and alcohol can alter your personality. If you feel you're more fun to be around when you're drunk or high, you're not presenting the real you. Let people get to know the real you. Be honest with your friends about who you really are. Trust your intuitions and find ways to resist peer pressure. Need to talk to another teen about drugs and alcohol pressure: http://www.teencentral.net

3. Be Proud of Where You Came From.

Whether you're Haitian, Chinese, Indian, etc., take pride in your culture. Discrimination is a result of lack of knowledge and information. Don't hide where you come from; share your culture or religion with others. Your ability to speak another language will come in handy in the future.

4. Be Cool.

There will be many things that will irritate you on any given day. It's up to you to respond or react to these situations. Everyone gets mad once in awhile, but don't let your anger get the best of you. If you have a need that is not being met, let the other person know. Before you blow up at someone, try to figure out what exactly is upsetting you and communicate it calmly with the other person. Try: www.angerhelp.com

5. Be About Something.

Support a cause, stand up for what you believe. Get involved in community events; share your talents at a fundraiser. Get your voice heard and make a difference in your life and the life of others. You are the leaders of tomorrow. Your leadership skills can be inspiring to your parents, teachers and peers. Good resource for volunteering: http://www.volunteermatch.org

6. Be Happy With Your Body.

The grass is not always greener on the other side. Despite the message shows like "The Swan, "Extreme Makeover" and "I Want a Famous Face" send us about beauty, you will only feel good about your body, if your sense of self is strong. Maintain a love of your body and treat it with respect. Find a supportive network to help you deal with body esteem issues. For more information: http://www.teen-matters.com/bodyimage.ht...

7. Be Responsible.

Hold yourself accountable for all your actions. Be mindful of how you interact with other people. Respect the property of others. You will not always have your parents or guardians to help you. Set short term goals for yourself. Organize and prioritize your extracurricular activities.

8. Be In Balance.

Life can be overwhelming for a teen. School, family and work can create stressful situations. Develop good study habits. Stay focused on your goals, despite peer pressure. Do not set up unrealistic expectations for yourself. Talk over problems with your family and find ways to alleviate fears and anxiety. If stressful situations become overwhelming, consult with your parents or a trustworthy adult for where to get help. Try a great breathing exercise: www.relaxandbreathe.com.

9. Be Happy.

These are the best years of your life! Enjoy your life. Discover something new about yourself each day. Having fun is important to your emotional and spiritual well-being. Be joyful and thankful for the little things in life. Lighten up!

10. Be Positive.

Negativity breeds negative outcomes. There is a lesson to be learned in every situation or event that occurs in your life. If you have negative or toxic friends, think about how this relationship affects your life. Let go of resentment and guilt, clear your mind of negative chatter.

Ten Things To Tell Your Children Today!

1. I Love You, No Matter What. Let your children know you love them unconditionally. Emphasize that they do not always need to be good, successful, or smart for you to love them. Love their successes and failures.

2. I Respect You. Children deserve respect too! You will teach your children a lot about respecting other people's values and boundaries, when you show them respect.

3. I Support Your Decision. Be supportive in their decisions, as long as it is not something that will cause them harm. There are many adults living with resentment and regret because their parents did not support their dreams and goals.

4. I Am Listening. Listen without judgement or criticism. Listen with out self-referencing. Listen with the intent to just listen. You don't need to understand, relate or like what they are saying. Just listen.

5. You Brighten My Day! Let your child know how much joy they bring into your life. Show them that they are a blessing.

6. I'm So Glad You're My Child. Tell them what unique qualities you admire. Encourage them to share their skills and talents with you.

7. Tell Me More. Be inquisitive in a good way. Show enthusiasm when they are speaking. Use your tone and body language to show you are paying attention. Be curious about what they are saying, but don't interrupt.

8. I Want To Understand. Let your child know when you do not understand what they are going through. Ask them to share, but don't push. Let them come to you on their own free will.

9. Thank You. Show gratitude for the little things, even if it is their responsibility. Thank them when they do something without you asking.

10. Let Me Help You. If your child needs help, be there. Be there with your love and spirit.

Learning About Life From Children

You can learn a lot from children.The best part of all is the advice is priceless.

Walls looked so much better when they are decorated with artwork. Markers and crayons work best.

The living room is so much better for running around and making noise than your own bedroom. A couch is the best trampoline.

Money may not grow on trees, but it sure is always in your parent's pockets.

Real life, including your love life begins in kindergarten.

Parents are confusing. They tell you not to speak to strangers, then when you meet a stranger, they tell you to say hello.

Saying, "You look like Patrick from SpongeBob Squarepants is really a compliment.

No matter how many times you watch the same TV show, listen to the same song, read the same book, watch the same tape or dvd, you can never really get tired of it.

You can never have too many Thomas the Tank Engine trains or Hotwheels cars.

Even though you have your own bed, you just have to sleep in your parents' bed.

Mommy knows where all your toys are.

I don't know what boundaries are, but if you teach me, I'll respect your boundaries, if you respect mine.

There is always something important to tell your parents when they're on the telephone or talking to someone else.

If parents laugh when we say bad words, we'll just keep saying them.

You can never be sleepy or tired.

Although you are too full for any more dinner, you always have room for dessert.

Kids have selective hearing, we may hear you say, "Who wants ice cream?", but we can't hear when you say, "Turn the television off."

Everyone over the age of 10 is old, so there is a possibility that your parents did know Abraham Lincoln.

I may not know time, but I know when all my favorite tv shows are on.

My friendships can be broken and mended without parental involvement.

Sometimes, parents have more fun then the kids at parties, amusement parks and other events.

Know how to push your parents’ buttons.

Five servings a day can consist of pizza, ice cream, french fries, fruit juice (or soda) and cookies.

Clothing should be optional.

Never tell me anything you don't want me to repeat in public.

Parents need to be better listeners too!

Parents make a big deal of little things.

You can never have too much candy.

It's ok to eat the same thing for lunch for a year.

A nickel is worth more than a dime because it's bigger.

A messy room has character.

There is a McDonald's restaurant wherever you go.

Why do you need to know how to tie your laces, when there are velcro straps on your shoes?

The best part of birthday parties are the party favors.

It's much easier to wake up early on weekends, then weekdays.

Scarves, gloves, hats, and sometimes jackets will get lost at school.

Fish are friends, but they die too soon.

The telephone is our enemy.

Five minutes is a long time to wait.

Brushing your teeth should not take longer than 30 seconds.

The response to "How was your day?" will almost always be "Good."

Why should bread have crust?

You don't need to use the bathroom until you're out of the house or in the car.

Keys, credit cards, and cell phones like to play hide and seek.

Green colored food is yucky.

Last, but not least, you can never get too many hugs or kisses throughout the day.

Successful Child

Free Parenting Ebook with Newsletter Subscription

Valuable Resources for Parents

Banner Designed By: