Helping Kids Follow Through—Without Nagging or Fighting

It’s one thing to want kids to take initiative—getting their learner’s permit, challenging an unfair grade, picking up a new skill—but it’s a whole other thing when our "help" just gets ignored (or explodes into a full meltdown).

In this episode of Parents of the Year, Caroline and Andrew share stories and practical strategies to help kids tackle challenges without pushing them away. From setting goals to managing anxiety around tests, we share ways to guide your kids without nagging, lectures, or power struggles.

Tune in for:

· How to set a goal without it backfiring

· Why open-ended questions are your secret weapon

· When (and how) to offer advice without triggering shutdowns

· Helping anxious kids build confidence, one step at a time

· Why letting kids own the “how” makes all the difference

Listen now and find out how to stay connected — even when your kids resist every suggestion you make!

Homework Ideas

Practice Open-Ended Questions
Instead of giving advice, try asking:

• “What’s your plan for getting ready for the test?”
• “How did you get good at ____? What could you borrow from that?”
• “What kind of support would be helpful?”

Set a Gentle Deadline
Collaboratively pick a realistic date (e.g., for a test, learner’s permit, etc.). Ask if they want help working backward to create a plan — but only if they want it.

Watch and Wait
After offering support, step back. Let them come back to you when they're ready — even if it's hard!

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