Help! My Children Are Always Fighting

Does every sibling experience rivalry? The answer is yes. How we handle sibling rivalry is one of the biggest challenges of parenting.

This blog post will help you understand the root causes of sibling rivalry and provide real-life solutions to help you manage it effectively.Many parents assume that rivalry will resolve itself over time, but this is rarely the case. Think about your extended family—did you notice rivalry among your parents and their siblings? How were these conflicts resolved? Most likely, they were handled haphazardly, without proper knowledge or tools. This is often because children are not taught how to resolve conflicts effectively.

Reflect on your marriage—how do you resolve conflicts with your spouse? Many people struggle with conflict resolution, either by shouting or resorting to silent treatment. Sibling rivalry is common, but it’s not normal. Understanding how to manage it is crucial for a healthy family dynamic.One of the key things you must understand is that sibling rivalry is a core part of your parenting journey.

What Are the Common Causes of Sibling Rivalry?

1. Competition: Siblings often compete for parental attention, resources, and achievement. Every child desires their parents’ attention, and they may even fight with a sibling to get it. I often say that for children, negative attention is better than no attention at all. Parents must recognize that attention is like food for a child—they crave it constantly.

– Parents are frequently a significant factor in sibling rivalry. Children compete for resources (e.g., who gets what and when) and for achievements (e.g., who is “better” in the eyes of mom and dad). If you create situations that encourage competition, it can worsen sibling dynamics. Many siblings are envious of one another. Think of the story of Joseph, who was envied by his brothers simply because of a dream that portrayed him as their future leader. 2. Personality Clashes: Differences in temperament, interests, and communication styles can fuel sibling rivalry. Many parents fail to recognize that each child comes with their own unique blueprint. Trying to raise two children using the same approach often leads to conflict because each child has their own “rule of law.”

– Understanding each child’s temperament, learning style, and personality is critical to effective parenting. In the sibling mentorship program, parents learn to create a system where siblings can learn from each other, which helps reduce negative competitiveness and pressure. It’s essential to foster an environment where communication is respectful and not aggressive.

3. Developmental Stages: Children often don’t understand what they or their siblings are going through at different developmental stages, which can lead to conflict. The key to managing this is knowledge. As a parent, you need to understand what’s happening and be able to explain it to your children.

– For example, explaining to your son what your pubescent daughter is going through during her period can reduce conflict significantly. The same goes for explaining to your daughter what your pubescent son is experiencing. Helping your children see things from their sibling’s perspective can drastically reduce conflicts.

4. Modelling Behaviour: The way adults behave in the family strongly influences how children interact with each other. How do you talk to the people in your home—your partner, your nanny, your driver, even your children? Your children will model that behaviour when interacting with their siblings.

– Many parents inadvertently empower older children to bully younger ones, replicating what they’ve seen at home. Remember that an older sibling is not a parent. Giving parental responsibilities to an older sibling can create resentment and lead to long-term conflict. Avoid creating a dynamic where one child holds power over another, as this can foster sibling abuse and lifelong resentment.

5. Family Dynamics: When parents exhibit poor conflict resolution skills, children may mimic those behaviours. If your home is filled with shouting and unresolved conflict, your children will likely adopt that behaviour. Conflict resolution is a learned skill, and it’s one that your children need to see in action. – Disagreements are normal, but rivalry isn’t. Understanding conflict resolution allows you to handle disagreements without escalating them into fights. Your children need to see you managing conflicts calmly, using your mind over your mood. This teaches them how to resolve their own conflicts.

Practical Solutions

Many parents try to resolve sibling rivalry by playing referee during every conflict. But constantly stepping in to mediate isn’t the solution. Both parents and children need tools and strategies to manage conflict independently.

Here are some steps you can take:-

  1. Identify Common Triggers: What are the typical reasons your children fight? How do you currently respond? Once you’ve identified these, you can create a family agreement worksheet to establish clear rules and expectations for resolving conflicts. 2. Emotional Regulation Toolkit: Teach your children calm-down techniques to manage their emotions before conflicts escalate. 3. Problem-Solving Worksheet: Use this to brainstorm solutions and practice decision-making with your children. 4. Sibling Bonding Activities: Engage your children in activities that promote bonding and reduce existing rivalry. 5. Sibling Strength Worksheet: Help your children see the strengths in each other, eliminating envy and promoting cooperation. 6.Parenting Self-Assessment: Reflect on your parenting habits. Do you have a favourite child? How do you resolve conflicts? Understanding your own behaviours is key to improving your children’s relationships.- 1.Family Conflict Resolution Plan: Develop a structured approach to conflict resolution, teaching your children the importance of resolving disagreements peacefully. 2. Praise and Reward Chart: Use this to reward positive behaviours and reinforce good habits, like resolving conflicts calmly and respecting each other’s boundaries. 3. Journaling : Encourage your children to write about what they appreciate in their siblings, and how they felt during conflicts. This will help them reflect on their behaviour and take ownership of their actions. 4. Sibling Mentorship System: Teach your children to be mentors to each other rather than competitors. By fostering a mentorship dynamic, you create an environment where siblings support each other’s growth instead of tearing each other down. 5. Family Negotiation Skills: Help your children learn how to negotiate fairly, identify conflicts, and brainstorm solutions together. All of these strategies will be included in the worksheets provided in the Academy’s brand-new course on sibling rivalry. Enrolling in this course will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to manage sibling rivalry effectively. Sign up for the course in October, and start implementing these strategies in your family immediately!

IIf sibling rivalry is turning your home into a battleground, our Dealing with Sibling Rivalry course is exactly what you need! We’ve designed this course to help you transform constant conflicts into opportunities for growth and deeper connection between your children.

For just ₦7,500 (instead of ₦20,500), you’ll gain access to:

– 14 practical worksheets and tools

– Proven strategies for fostering harmony

– Techniques to build stronger sibling bonds- And much more!

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How to Prepare Your Child for the World

Our children have many opportunities in life. Unfortunately, too often, we focus on raising them just to pass exams. Exams are important, but there are so many more skills and experiences your children need to prepare for the world. Raising a child to understand how the world works is one of the best gifts you can give them. If you’re raising a child without teaching them how the world operates, you’re setting them up for a life of struggle. I’ve seen children who were raised by parents that prioritized obedience over independence; as adults, these children struggled when faced with the realities of life because they weren’t taught how to navigate the world. One common mistake parents make is aiming to create a perfect human being, which simply isn’t possible. No child will ever be perfect, yet many parents are obsessed with this idea, focusing solely on raising well-behaved children.

I once had a parent tell me that she didn’t need any parenting guidance because her children were well-behaved. They didn’t talk back, question her, or say no. While that may sound ideal, I was genuinely concerned for her children because she had essentially raised children who couldn’t think for themselves. A child who cannot think becomes a burden. Good behavior is important, but it’s possible to have a well-behaved child who lacks wisdom. Foolishness is the opposite of wisdom, and a child who doesn’t know how to navigate the world will lack common sense. Think about the biblical story of the ten virgins; five were foolish, even though they were virgins. The truth is, being “good” isn’t enough to make an impact in the world, because goodness alone is not a skill, and no one rewards you for simply being good.

Our children will encounter many gates of opportunity throughout their lives. The question is: are they ready for these gates to be opened? As a parent, you are both the protector and the gatekeeper for your child. The wall you build around them offers protection, but the gates represent opportunities for them to step out and test their readiness to live beyond that protection. When you eventually bring down the wall and open the gate, will your child be able to survive? Each gate is an opportunity for your child to explore and exercise their growing independence. In our inner circle, we call this the “parenting launch plan,” which ensures that you are preparing your child for each opportunity as it arises. These gates should be opened by you, not by your child, and only when they are ready. The Bible speaks of children answering the enemy at the gate; are your children prepared to do that?

The rules of the gate include:

  • The gate must be opened by you, not by the child. If a child opens the gate too soon, they may be overwhelmed.
  • Gates are privileges, not rights. They are earned based on your parenting system, not simply because a child reaches a certain age.
  • Gates should be opened based on the child’s readiness and the opportunities available, not by a fixed timeline.
  • The golden gates are often the most tempting, but they require preparation and discipline to navigate successfully.

How to Prepare Your Child for the World

  1. Give Them Responsibility and Accountability
    One of the biggest challenges I see is that many children enter university unprepared because they’ve never had to demonstrate full responsibility for their lives and choices. Some parents, when faced with their children’s poor behavior in boarding school, refuse to take responsibility or blame the school. Many parents have created environments where their children are not held accountable for anything. Stop blaming the school and start holding your child accountable.
  2. Let Them Fail
    Failure is a crucial tool in parenting. Stop protecting your child from failure. Allowing them to fail teaches them valuable life lessons. Adversity and failure are essential parts of the growth process. Failure is not the end, but rather a necessary step towards success. When we embrace failure as part of the journey, we help our children understand that setbacks are not permanent. If we constantly seek progress without going through the process, we hinder our children’s growth. Children who avoid challenges and only focus on success will struggle in the future. Anyone who wishes to become gold must first pass through the fire, so don’t deprive your child of that experience.
  3. Teach Them Problem-Solving Skills
    Teach your children how to solve their own problems, rather than solving their problems for them. Show them how to think, not just what to think. Decision-making is a skill, and your children need to learn to make decisions by considering the pros and cons, incentives, goals, and values involved. Instead of rushing to rescue them when they make a mistake, allow them to figure out how to clean up the mess. Solving problems for your children may feel helpful in the short term, but it ultimately stunts their development.
  4. Prepare Them for Life Management
    Life management includes time management, money management, and decision-making. If your child’s first experience handling money is after they’ve left home, or if their first independent decision comes when they’re away from you, you’ve done them a disservice. Time management is life management; if your child can’t manage their time, they won’t be able to manage their life effectively.
  5. Encourage Other Types of Intelligence
    We often focus solely on building our children’s IQ by encouraging them to study, pass exams, and achieve academic success. However, we neglect other types of intelligence like adversity quotient, social quotient, cultural quotient, and spiritual quotient. These are just as important. For example, being culturally intelligent can be a game changer. I know someone who has held a position for eight years that no one else could hold for more than two, simply because of his cultural intelligence. Culture is about understanding the rules of the land, and it’s crucial that your children learn how to relate to people from different cultures. Each environment has its own rules, and your children must learn to navigate these different systems to succeed.

The School Gate

One of the gates you must consider is the school gate. School is an incredible gateway of opportunity, with growing responsibilities and freedoms as the years pass. Schools present a unique challenge: they offer your child the chance to choose friends and make decisions without your supervision. Different schools present different temptations at different levels. The good news is, there are always options. The best way to guard this gate is by getting involved in the school system and understanding how to maximize the opportunities it presents. Don’t leave your child’s education to chance; be proactive in guiding them through this gateway.

By following these steps, you’ll be preparing your child not just for exams, but for the challenges and opportunities they’ll face in the real world.

Day 2: of the Back to School Master Class

Thank you so much, Coach Omolola, for the incredible session!

What stood out the most was the focus on spiritual preparation. I used to pray only on the morning of school resumption, but now I’ve started praying and fasting for the new school year from the start of the holidays. My children have joined in with their own prayers and have prayer points for the term, which we review weekly.

We’ve also developed daily affirmations to say before they head to school. Thank you, Inner Circle Mama @Coach Wendy, for guiding us on this journey.” — Participant

My biggest takeaway is realizing that God communicates with us! It felt like a revelation hitting me from Heaven. I’ve been blessed with a divine blueprint for my children, but I’m learning that being part of TIP means I must do my part excellently. Despite having divine guidance, I needed to step up my actions. Thank you, Coach Wendy, for making this clarity possible through TIP!”— Participant —

Weren’t able to join us for Day 2? there’s still time to catch up and gain these valuable insights! Replays are available, and it’s not too late to be part of this transformative journey. Secure your access at the special rate of #6,999 ($7) Want to join? Reach out to our team at +234 903 663 3600 for more details.

5 ways to Position Your Children for Academic Success

Sometimes, I hear parents tell me what they plan to do for their children to attain academic success, and the things I hear are usually negative. This blog post will reveal to you the things you would never do and the things you should begin to do to position your child for academic success.

Things You Should not be Doing as You Prepare Your Child for Academic Success

  1. Overemphasis on perfection: many times, when we talk about what we want for our children academically, we go with the expectation that we want our children to be the trophy children. In the mind of many parents, every one of their children is a trophy child, and so they want to make their children into trophy children. This is the reason for parents pushing pressure when they do things like paying for exams or “miracle centres.” It also serves the ego of the parent when parents brag about the performance of their children in their exams. This will never help a child plus that’s a wrong way to motivate children to excel academically. Doing this means that you are pushing the perfection narrative, thereby creating unnecessary stress while also hindering the confidence that the child should have. There is increased anxiety, there is increased fear of failure. One of the advantages you can give to your child as a parent is to have expectations from your child. Yes because it has been proven that children with high parental expectations perform better. Nonetheless, the problem we have is being able to balance the expectations so that it’s without pressure. You can have high expectations as a parent without creating those undue pressures that could kill the child. Note that it is a parenting advantage to create high expectations for your children and communicate with them; however, you must ensure that your expectation is communicating the right thing. One of the problems is that you create expectations but you have no system put in place for your child to achieve it. I’m not referring to the system of extramural lessons but the skills that you have impacted the child. While expectations are great, overemphasis on perfection will make it ineffective. Expectations are not about perfection, nor about progress, but about process. Encourage your children to advance and grow at their own pace. When we set expectations, we offer our children the opportunity to meet challenges with confidence. Apart from these, all you’ll be doing is putting undue pressure on the child. I am not saying that you should not have expectations of your children. If you don’t, you will make a mess of the process. Parental expectations are one of the most important things your child needs to succeed in school. Choosing perfection can often cloud the joy of learning.
  2. Neglecting emotional and social needs. Ignoring the social and emotional needs of your child can affect their academic success. Some parents find that their child, who had been an A-grade child in primary school, gets to secondary and begins to struggle. The first question I ask is, “How old is the child?” This is because there is a lot of pressure that comes to underage children in school. It is an act of wickedness to take a child who is underage into a class they are not supposed to be in. They may not even struggle academically, but they have real emotional pressures. Some of these children end up withdrawing or they lack motivation.
  3. Inconsistent routines and expectations. Once you have inconsistent routines, don’t expect academic success. Many times, when school resumes, parents tend to take away the children’s chores and other routines at home because of the academic workload. You must understand, however, that consistency is the bedrock of academic success. You don’t need to be smart-headed to make a first class. All you need is structures and routines. This is so because a structured environment fosters growth. An inconsistent routine leads to disorganisation and missed opportunities. It’s also the reason you yell in the morning – inconsistent routines and inconsistent expectations. Children thrive in predictability, not inconsistency. I say that unpredictability is the enemy of parenting – it causes chaos.
  4. Overloading extracurricular activities. Excessive after-school activities lead to a child being burnt out and can impact negatively on their academic process. You don’t need extra lessons for your child to excel. Some skills need to be built into the child that will make that happen. Overloading the child will make them lack important skills like social skills which they need to make money later in life. It causes stress, fatigue and decreased focus on even the school activities.

What do you do

  1. Set clear expectations and goals. Remember that expectations are an important part of your journey, and ensure you communicate these expectations. Don’t just stay and assume that your children know your expectations. Sit down and outline these expectations – study habits, time management, what to learn and so on. Our parents had expectations of us, and that was brilliant, but, the problem was communication of the expectations. It wasn’t there.
  2. Foster strong communication skills. Ensure you have a relationship with the teachers and that your children have an open system of dialogue with you. Until you start asking your child the right questions, their performance might remain where it is. Get involved in your child’s school activities in different ways.
  3. Teach study skills. Beginning with maths skills, your children need to learn to do well in maths and become great problem solvers; we have time management, mental arithmetic, numeracy skills, quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills. Instead of giving children more maths to solve, your question should be, “How do I improve maths skills?” focus on the core concepts of mathematical skills and logical reasoning. Introduce your children to study skills no matter their age. Improve the study system of your child and your child will improve – in every area. Instead of working for your child to improve, work with them. Teach them how to break big tasks into smaller tasks and how to get things done without being overwhelmed. Desist from scaffolding your child. Teach them the right skills to thrive in the world. We are no longer in the industrial era where school certificate is everything, we are now in the knowledge era. Therefore you need to understand how to revolutionise your child’s schooling to align with the era we are in. If not, your child will struggle.

Join the back to school masterclass 4.0 as we delve deeper into these topics. You’d learn how to choose your child’s school, how to build their study skills and so much more.

BACK TO SCHOOL 🎒 MASTERCLASS IS HERE!!!

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Oh Yes! Here are benefits attached: 1. Free New Parent-Teacher Guide ( Worth #2,000) 2. Free Parent-Teacher Master Class- Reviewed (worth #10,000) 3. The complete Back to School Bundle ( worth #10,000). And that’s not all. You don’t want to miss our: • BACK TO SCHOOL AFFIRMATION PACKPARENT SCHOOL SUPPORT TEMPLATESCHOOL ROUTINE PLANNERMEAL PLANNER and More what are you waiting for? REGISTER NOW To enjoy BACK to SCHOOL packages:

How To Register: PAY #6,999($7) to 0509494057 (GT BANK), THE INTENTIONAL PARENT ACADEMY. Make sure you send proof of payment via whatsapp to +234 703 639 3160 or 0903 663 3600 Or Complete registration online using this link https://theintentionalparentacademy.selar.co/BacktoSchool2024Why This Bundle? This bundle is more than just a set of tools—it’s your roadmap to a well-organized, stress-free, and successful school year. Whether you’re preparing your child for their first day of school, transitioning to boarding school, or simply looking to streamline your daily routines, this bundle has you covered.

Preparing Your Children for the New Academic Year

When you think about the new academic year, academics might come to mind first. However, there’s much more to consider in preparing your child for the upcoming school year. Many parents feel confused about how to approach this transition, often focusing solely on educational aspects.

Preparation can provide a significant advantage. It’s crucial to view the new school year from your child’s perspective, considering their anxiety about new classes, teachers, and expectations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare your child effectively.

Aspects to Consider for the New School Year

1.Academic Success

2. Social Success

3. Emotional Success

4. Health

5.Chores and Responsibilities

Maintaining Success

  1. Academic Success:
    Academic preparation should start as soon as the previous school year ends. Here’s how to set your child up for academic success:-
    i. Evaluate School Choice:
    Ensure the school fits your child’s learning style. A good school might not be the best for your child if it doesn’t support their specific needs. For example, a kinesthetic learner may struggle in a school lacking physical activity opportunities.
    ii. Create an Effective Study Environment: Establish a study area at home that supports your child’s learning style. Even a small reading corner can make a difference. Ensure your home has books and resources to stimulate learning.
    iii. Reduce Morning Chaos:Use the 5s of discipline—structures, systems, schedules, skills, and strategies—to create a smooth morning routine. Avoid yelling, as it disrupts your child’s ability to learn and start the day positively.
  2. Social Success :Social success is as important as academic success. Prepare your child to thrive socially by:- Encouraging Friendships: Facilitate social interactions through playdates and group activities. Ii. Developing Social Skills:Teach your child empathy, effective communication, and conflict resolution.
  3. Emotional Success: Support your child’s emotional well-being by:- i.Fostering Open Communication: Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their feelings. ii. Building Resilience: Equip your child with coping strategies to handle stress and setback.
  4. Health: Health plays a critical role in your child’s overall success. Ensure your child:-. i. Gets Adequate Sleep:Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night. ii. Maintains a Nutritious Diet:Incorporate whole grains and proteins to enhance cognitive function and learning.
  5. Chores and Responsibilities: Maintaining a balance of chores and responsibilities is essential. Ensure your child:- i. Handles Chores: Keep chores as part of their routine to teach responsibility and time management.- ii. Manages Time Effectively:Teach time management skills to balance their studies and responsibilities
  6. Maintaining Overall Success
    : Ensure continuous success by:- i.Teaching Organizational Skills:
    Help your child organize their space and materials effectively. ii. Understanding School Policies: Familiarize yourself with the school’s disciplinary policies to avoid conflicts and ensure alignment with your values. iii.Staying Involved: Participate in PTA meetings and school events. Your active involvement shows your child that education is important and strengthens your connection with them.

Preparing your child for the new academic year involves much more than focusing on academics alone. By addressing their social, emotional, and physical needs, you can help them transition smoothly and succeed throughout the year. Start preparing early, stay engaged, and remember that your involvement plays a crucial role in your child’s overall success.

To join the BACK TO SCHOOL MASTER CLASS:- Pay #6,999 ($7) instead of #20,000 ($20) to 0509494057 (GT Bank), The Intentional Parent Academy.

Send proof of payment via WhatsApp to +234 703 639 3160 or 0903 663 3600.ONLY VALID FOR A LIMITED TIME

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How to Design a Holiday Plan That Would Enable Your Child Thrive in the Upcoming School Year

The holiday period can be a pivotal time for your child’s development, either propelling them forward or causing them to lose ground. In this blog post, I’ll provide you with a blueprint to create a holiday plan that ensures your child thrives not just mentally, spiritually, or behaviorally, but also academically.

A well-thought-out holiday plan can arm your child with the skills and confidence needed to excel when they return to school.

Why You Need an Intentional Holiday Plan

1. Prevent Academic or Learning Loss: Unplanned holidays often lead to a “summer slide,” where children forget what they learned during the school year. Learning is a continuous process, and your holiday plan should aim to maintain and build on what your child has already learned.

2. Strengthen Family Bonds:A strategic holiday plan can help build stronger family relationships. Activities that involve the whole family can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds.

3. Cultivate Independence and Responsibility: Independence is crucial for raising self-regulated learners. Use the holiday to teach your child to take ownership of their learning, fostering skills that will make the transition back to school smoother.

4. Expose Them to New Interests and Hobbies:The holiday is a perfect time to explore activities outside the school curriculum. New hobbies can build competence and confidence in your child.

5. Enhance Emotional and Social Skills:Activities that build resilience, adaptability, executive functioning skills, and cognitive skills can help your child thrive socially and emotionally.

6. Identifying and Addressing Learning Gaps

How to Identify Learning Gaps During The Holiday

1. Get Feedback from Teachers:Speak with your child’s teachers to identify their academic and behavioral strengths and weaknesses. Teacher feedback can be invaluable in crafting a holiday plan that addresses learning gaps.

2. Parental Observation:Pay attention to your child’s study habits and homework abilities. Note recurring challenges or areas where they lack confidence. Assess their academic performance and look for trends and patterns in their report cards and test scores.

3. Open Conversations:Encourage your child to share their perspectives on their performance. This can provide insights that help you tailor your holiday plan to their needs.

Using the Holidays to Target Learning Gaps

1. Set Clear Goals:Decide what you want to achieve during the holiday. Whether it’s improving numeracy skills, literacy skills, or creative writing, set specific, achievable goals.

2. Daily Reading Routine:If your child struggles with English comprehension, establish a daily reading routine. Expose them to various genres and encourage regular writing practice.

3. Math Skills Practice:Use age-appropriate apps and worksheets to practice basic operations. Integrate math into daily activities like cooking, budgeting, and shopping to make learning fun and practical.

4. Problem-Solving Skills:Invest in puzzles, logic games, and activities like Sudoku to enhance analytical and critical thinking skills.

5. Science Exploration:Introduce your child to STEM concepts through DIY experiments and everyday phenomena. Encourage curiosity and hands-on learning.

6. Social Skills Development:Create a social roadmap with playdates, group projects, and other social activities to help your child build social skills.

7. Physical Activity:Include plenty of outdoor play and exploration. Activities like running, jumping, and skipping enhance neural connections in the brain and promote overall physical health.

8. Creating a ScheduleTo bring all these elements together, it’s crucial to create a structured schedule. Consider purchasing the ultimate holiday bundle from the academy to learn how to create a schedule that suits your family’s needs.

9. Improving Memory:- Use matching games and memory games.- Incorporate storytelling and repetition.- Engage in arts and crafts to improve fine motor skills and handwriting.

10. Physical Activities:- Include gross motor activities that promote physical and neural development.The back-to-school masterclass offered by the academy can provide more detailed guidance on how to support your child’s academic and personal growth. Find details for registration here.

By being intentional with your holiday planning, you can ensure your child returns to school armed with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Start planning today and make this holiday a time of growth and enrichment for your child.

Get Ready for a Successful School Year with Our Back to School Bundle!

As the new school year approaches, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your child. That’s why we’re excited to offer our exclusive Back to School Master Class at an unbeatable price—just #6,999 ($7) instead of the regular #20,000 ($20)!

This limited-time offer is designed to equip you with all the tools you need for a successful school year.

Why Join the Back to School Master Class?When you enroll, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of resources that will make this school year your best one yet.

Here’s what you’ll receive:-

FREE New Parent-Teacher Guide (worth #2,000)

– FREE Parent-Teacher Master Class (Reviewed) (worth #10,000)

– The Complete Back to School Bundle (worth #10,000), which includes: – Back to School Affirmation Pack: Start each day with positivity and confidence.

Parent School Support Template: A handy guide to foster a strong partnership with your child’s school.

Preparing Your Child for Boarding School Template: Smooth the transition with practical tips and checklists.

School Routine Planner: Keep your family organized and on track.

School Structure Blueprint: Build a solid foundation for academic success.

Meal Planner: Ensure your child has nutritious meals every day.

Daily School Preparation Planner: Take the stress out of morning routines.

School Accountability Planner: Track progress and stay on top of school responsibilities.

30-Day Connection Tool: Strengthen your bond with your child through daily activities.

30-Day Affirmation Pack for Toddlers: Encourage your little ones with positive affirmations.

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1. Payment Details: – Pay #6,999 ($7) to 0509494057 (GT Bank), The Intentional Parent Academy. – Send proof of payment via WhatsApp to +234 703 639 3160 or 0903 663 3600.

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How to Prepare Your Child for the World

When it comes to your child impacting the world, one of the major things I realized is that several people do not understand what impact means, how to raise a child for the world, and how to raise a child who will navigate the world. When parents talk about parenting goals, they say things like “I want to raise a good and obedient child.” Even though there is nothing wrong with raising a good child, yet there is everything wrong with raising a child who cannot thrive. It’s okay to say you want to raise an obedient child, but if you miss the part where that obedient child can thrive, you have missed it in parenting, which is a huge challenge for parents. One of the things that I have seen is that we don’t understand the difference between raising a child who is obedient and a child who will thrive. You can therefore raise a child who is obedient but foolish and cannot thrive.

Let us take an illustration from a favorite story in the Bible, which is the parable of the ten virgins. When people tell about foolish virgins, they talk about it from the light that the foolishness of the virgins came from not knowing what to do, but that’s not true. The story of the ten virgins is a typical example of being obedient yet unskilled because they were all prepared. The ten virgins were given what it was that they needed. It’s a story of following the rules, but the “what ifs” were not considered.

In the book Raising the Independent Thinking Child, I was talking about the “what else’s.” There is something called the “what else’s.” Your child is smart, obedient, intelligent, but what else do they bring to the table? It’s beyond “my child is brilliant,” or “my child is obedient,” or “they go to church.” There is nothing wrong with all of those things, but that’s not where it ends. That’s not a bragging right. The “what else’s” are the things that make the difference – the environment is a key factor to how you raise your children. 80 percent of who you become is linked to the environment – who raised you, how you were raised, where you were raised, and what the person who raised you knows. It’s important you look beyond what you know.

What are the determining factors in raising children who impact?

1 . The Matthew Effect: This is a key determining factor. The Matthew Effect was adapted from the book of Matthew 25:29, which says, “For everyone who has shall more be given, and he shall have in abundance; but for him that has not, that which he has shall be taken away from him.” Opportunity not fully utilized can never be gotten. Making an impact will go beyond their personality, how intelligent your child is, their lifestyle, and their inborn talent. It’s about skilling up, developing it, and grooming. Again, opportunities not fully utilized can never be gotten. You can’t get opportunities you don’t utilize. No matter how great a skill is, if it’s not nurtured and given attention, it will never blossom. That’s why the Bible talks about time and chance happening to them all. Time is the preparation; chance is the opportunity. The reason why people who have keep getting is because success is not only attributed to merit. It is the ingredient in success that makes for success. It doesn’t matter how you merit it, the world does not reward you for the things you merit; the world will only reward you for the ingredients in the success that make you successful. So, are you utilizing the opportunities that you have? The more you utilize the opportunities you have, the more you are opened up to more. That’s what the Matthew Effect is about. It is a determining factor to what your child will become, and it is also a determining factor to you. That’s why it is said that the rich keep getting rich – that is the Matthew Effect. So, your child being good doesn’t have any reward. They are not rewarded for goodness. So, there is nothing like “why do bad things happen to good people?” No. Bad things do not happen to good people. It’s not about good, but skilled. So, you see whether your child has potentials or is a good child, they’re not prerequisites for making an impact. Nobody is rewarded for their goodness. I usually say that the world is for the bold and the loud, not for the skilled and the silent. The Bible says, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” There is a seeing of your diligence. That means you can be diligent and not seen and not be rewarded because your rewarding is about the ingredients that make for success. This is what the Matthew Effect is all about. The more you’re seen, the more you’re rewarded.

Skills: This is another thing that will position your child for impact. Acquiring skills gives you influence and elevates you because you work to develop yourself and you’re seen because the system rewards you. It’s one thing to acquire skills, it is another thing to be able to make your skills known. Anything in its raw state does not have a reward until it is refined. Africa is where it is because most of our resources are unrefined. So, we export all our materials and we put it all out there, and then the people who understand how to refine get rewarded even more. Acquiring is one thing; refining it is another. Refining is a key aspect. No matter what skills or talents your child has, whether it’s playing an instrument or any other, it doesn’t end there – they’re raw skills. What is the process of being able to package it to become valuable? It is the valuability of that thing that makes it more rewarding. It is the tangibility of the skill that gets the reward. You want to raise a child that will impact, and the child has zero skills, and the skills are not even refined. Impactful people are people who give value to the world. The simple definition of impact is value. How valuable is your child?

A child who will be valuable to the world must be valuable at home. How can the things that your child has be so refined that they can be valuable? You cannot become more without being skilled. The question you need to answer is what can your child offer to the world? Going back to the five wise virgins, they were called wise because they were more skilled. They remembered the extras – they remembered to take extra oil. The foolish virgins were just as prepared as the wise. If everything had worked smoothly, they would have been called wise, but unfortunately, the world doesn’t work like that. There is something about chaos or uncertainty that makes for the world. There is something about the fluidity of the world. The child must be prepared for the world. They were called foolish because they lacked the extras, the “what else’s.” When you’re raising a child, what will make you raise impactful children are the “what else’s.” Don’t raise your child saying “everybody is doing it.” Your child is just going to turn out ordinary. There’s something extra that makes for extraordinary.

Hard Work: Smart work involves taking your time to understand the problem to get an efficient strategy and to get a workable execution plan, and this takes time. Smart work is about efficiency, not laziness, so smart work is not easy. When people say, “work smart, don’t work hard,” it’s truly an error. Stop hiding your children from adversity. There is no impactful person in the world who is not a hard worker. If you miss the part of raising children who are not smart workers, you will raise a foolish child. Hard work is key for impact making. Trying to shield your child from suffering is a big problem.

There is a line between impact and discomfort. No one makes an impact from a comfort zone. The more comfortable you are, the less impactful you become. The more comfortable you make your children, the less they’re able to add value to their society. Get them uncomfortable and let them move. For you to become gold, there is a trying and roasting. Comfort means doing everything for your toddlers. Your toddlers should be able to take away their plates after a meal; they should be able to pack their toys after use. Go and study people who raised children in royalty. Why do you think in England they send every male child from the royal family to war? What do you think they’re trying to do? Do you know what it means to train a child in the British army? Let your children do things for themselves. Anything your child can do for themselves, if you do it for them, you kill them literally.

2 . Accumulative Advantage: I call it the 10,000-hour rule. Research has proven time and again that how you achieve success is if you put in 10,000 hours. You can become an impact maker, a genius if you put in 10,000 hours into any tasks or field of endeavor. This 10,000-hour rule equals 10 years of cumulativ effort. What you consistently do over time accumulates into expertise. This principle applies to raising children who will impact the world. You must help your children find their areas of interest and encourage them to devote time and effort to develop skills in those areas. Consistent practice and dedication lead to mastery.

3. Mindset: The mindset you instill in your child is crucial. A growth mindset, which is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, is fundamental. Teach your children to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as obstacles. Encourage them to embrace failure as part of the learning process. Children with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere in the face of difficulties and achieve long-term success.

4. Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This skill is essential for personal and professional success. Teach your children to recognize their emotions, express them appropriately, and develop empathy for others. Emotionally intelligent children are better equipped to build strong relationships, navigate social complexities, and lead effectively.

5. Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Life is full of challenges and setbacks, and children need to learn how to cope with them effectively. Encourage your children to develop resilience by allowing them to experience failure and learn from it. Provide support and guidance, but also give them the space to solve problems on their own. Resilient children are more likely to persevere through tough times and come out stronger.

7. Values: Instilling strong values in your children is essential for guiding their behavior and decision-making. Teach them the importance of integrity, honesty, kindness, and respect. These values will help them navigate the world with a moral compass and make positive contributions to society. Discuss real-life scenarios and ethical dilemmas to help them understand how to apply these values in various situations.

8. Leadership Skills: Encourage your children to develop leadership skills. Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about making a positive impact and inspiring others. Provide opportunities for your children to take on leadership roles, whether in school, sports, or community activities. Teach them the importance of communication, collaboration, and decision-making. Leadership skills will empower them to influence and guide others effectively.

9.Self-Discipline: Self-discipline is the ability to control impulses and stay focused on long-term goals. Help your children develop self-discipline by setting clear expectations and providing structure. Encourage them to set goals, create plans, and follow through with their commitments. Self-disciplined children are better equipped to achieve their goals and make responsible choices.

10. Creativity and Innovation: Foster creativity and innovation in your children. Encourage them to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and experiment with different solutions. Provide opportunities for creative expression through art, music, writing, or other activities. Creative children are more likely to approach problems with an open mind and come up with innovative solutions.

11. Global Awareness: In today’s interconnected world, it’s important for children to be globally aware. Teach them about different cultures, languages, and perspectives. Encourage them to be open-minded and respectful of diversity. Global awareness will help them navigate a multicultural world and make meaningful contributions on a global scale.

In conclusion, preparing your child for the world involves more than just raising an obedient and good child. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes developing skills, fostering a growth mindset, building emotional intelligence, instilling values, and encouraging leadership. By focusing on these areas, you can raise a child who not only navigates the world successfully but also makes a significant impact.

Preparing Your Children for Puberty

One of the most common issues I see in parenting is waiting until puberty arrives before taking action. It’s crucial to prepare beforehand. Just like you don’t prepare for war during the battle, you must prepare for puberty in advance.

Talking about puberty often makes parents anxious. However, understanding the changes that occur during puberty is essential. Many parents are surprised to learn that Africa ranks among the top five regions for porn addiction. This isn’t just a Western issue; it’s universal. At puberty, children naturally start to question many things, including their gender. Adequate knowledge is key to navigating these challenges.

The Onset of Puberty

Girls: Typically start around age seven, though it can be earlier due to factors like nutrition. Early puberty isn’t necessarily good; it can lead to issues later in life.

Boys: Usually start around age nine, but this age is also decreasing.

Key Factors Influencing Puberty

  1. Absentee Fathers: Girls often enter puberty earlier when their fathers are absent. An involved father helps delay puberty by signaling protection to the brain.
  2. Screen Time: Ongoing studies suggest that screen time might impact puberty, though this isn’t yet verified.

 Starting the Conversation

Begin discussing sex and puberty early. This gives your children a cumulative advantage and prevents panic.

Steps to Prepare Your Child for Puberty

1. Lay the Groundwork Early:  Tailor the conversation to your child’s age. Talk about hygiene and how to care for the vagina and penis. One of the best things you can do for your children is to equip them with knowledge.

2. Create Comfort: From day one, make your child comfortable with having conversations about sex. Create an open environment for communication through constant connection. If you don’t connect with your child, you can’t have meaningful sex or puberty conversations with them. These are private conversations about their bodies, and they need to feel comfortable with you in all areas of their lives.

3. Look for Age-Appropriate Resources:  Use books, documentaries, and other resources that are suitable for your child’s age.

4. Equip Yourself First: It’s a mistake to think you know everything about raising a child just because you gave birth to them. As the saying goes, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Unfortunately, many of us aren’t equipped with the necessary knowledge, making it almost impossible to teach what we don’t know. If you grew up with parents who never mentioned these conversations, continuing that way puts your child at a disadvantage. 

Today’s biggest concern for parents is gender confusion, not pregnancy. Fear-based sex education disempowers rather than empowers. Sex conversations must never be rooted in fear.

5. Understand That Sex Education Is About Empowering, Not Policing:  We created a list of 100 wrong phrases parents say in sex conversations. For example, telling your child, “If anyone touches you, tell me immediately,” disempowers them. It’s not about forbidding sleepovers; it’s about empowering your child. Instead of instilling fear, instill values. 

Empower your child to make choices based on the skills and knowledge they have, and how confident and empowered they feel. This conversation is about empowerment and ownership of self. A confident 2-year-old can make decisions irrespective of your presence. Disempowering children makes them dependent on you, which isn’t the goal. Create systems and structures without panicking.

6. Learn About Conversations That Determine Sex Choices: Sex conversations aren’t just about the mechanics of sex. Your conversations should be clear so your children understand how to make decisions. Teach teens the self-concepts that underpin sex conversations. Our book, “Sex Educate Your Child Like a Pro,” available on Amazon and in our stores, covers these concepts. The two most important aspects of self-concept are self-preservation and self-control. Any conversation with a girl that doesn’t build her self-esteem is ineffective, and for boys, self-control is crucial.

7. Teach Body Awareness and Self-Esteem: Teach anatomy and its functions. Normalize body changes and differences—it’s okay and normal. Discuss body image in puberty. The media is a major influencer on sex conversations. Combat negative media influences by promoting positive body images. Without a solid self-identity, children may become confused about their gender during puberty. Monitor what your children watch on media. Teach puberty hygiene, skincare, and how to take care of themselves. Puberty and hygiene education must go hand in hand.

8. Understand Communication Strategy: Your children need to understand the communication strategy within your home. Many parents don’t know what to say and resort to lies, which disempowers the child. In today’s information era, using the wrong phrases does your child a disservice. Understanding the communication strategy for each age is crucial. For example, when teaching a toddler body safety, a simple phrase like “My body is not a toy” suffices. Each age group requires a specific strategy and continuity. Create a sex conversation strategy, as our inner circle parents do.

You need to decide to parent your children without making excuses. Educate your children about sex despite your excuses. Time won’t wait for you, and your children’s growth won’t either. Join the inner circle for accountability in your parenting journey.

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5 Sexual Misconceptions Every Parent Should Know.

Talking about sex with your children can be challenging, especially with many myths and misconceptions about when and how to do it. Many parents have fears and misunderstandings that can make these conversations difficult. However, addressing these myths can help you have better, more helpful discussions with your kids.

Here are five common misconceptions about sex education that every parent should know.

1. My Child is Too Young: Parents often believe their children are too young to have conversations about sex. They think, “What are they teaching them there?” when they hear about mentoring or classes for teenagers. However, children know more than we give them credit for. It is crucial to approach these conversations with the mindset that children already have some knowledge, rather than assuming they are complete novices. They gather information from various sources.

As a parent, your responsibility is to provide them with wisdom, strategies, and skills to navigate these topics. For example, a two-year-old girl who was taught about inappropriate touching was able to report molestation. If she had not been taught, she wouldn’t have known to report it. This is why sex conversations must start even before your child is born. The things you watch, wear, and do can set the foundation for future conversations.

For instance, it is inappropriate to bathe with your child; it sends mixed messages about privacy and boundaries.

2. I Don’t Want to Overexpose My Children: Some parents fear that talking about sex will overexpose their children, leading to incomplete conversations, which is worse than no education at all. Children are already overexposed to various information, often inaccurate or harmful. It’s vital to use correct terminology and address these topics comprehensively. The fear of overexposure often prevents parents from even naming private parts correctly, perpetuating a cycle of misinformation.

Avoid demonizing sex; instead, provide accurate, age-appropriate information. Incomplete education can leave children vulnerable to misinformation from peers or the internet.

3. Using Sex Conversations to Show Off or Embarrass: Some parents use sex conversations to show off or embarrass their children, recording discussions to post on social media or casually discussing their child’s private matters with friends. This breaks trust and discourages children from seeking guidance in the future. Trust and respect are your most valuable assets when discussing sensitive topics.

Imagine your child confides in you about a crush, and they overhear you sharing it with a friend. This breach of trust makes it less likely they will come to you again. Always seek your child’s approval before sharing their personal information, even within the family, to avoid oversharing and maintain their trust.

4. Can Have Conversations Anyhow – With Whatever I Know: It’s important to understand that children can tell when you’re not knowledgeable or prepared. Sex conversations should not be approached haphazardly. They must be intentional and well-informed. As societal norms and information evolve, so should your conversations about sex. Ensure you are updated with current knowledge to provide accurate information. Addressing topics like self-esteem, self-control, and emotional health is as important as discussing the mechanics of sex.

For example, a girl with low self-esteem might seek validation through inappropriate relationships. Building their self-worth and self-control helps them make better choices.

5. Thinking That Sex Conversations Are Just About the Mechanics of Sex: Many parents mistakenly believe that sex education is solely about the mechanics of sex. However, sex education encompasses much more, including building focus, self-esteem, and self-control. The most powerful sex organ is the mind, making sex education an activity of the mind. Conversations about sex should also address mental health and emotional stability.

For instance, a girl who understands her menstrual cycle will not feel anxious about being different from her peers. Similarly, boys who learn about healthy body image won’t resort to harmful practices to meet perceived standards. Addressing these broader aspects prepares children for the emotional and social challenges related to sex.

6. Thinking That Because You’re Not Speaking, No One Else Is Speaking: If you’re not educating your children about sex, someone else is, often providing misinformation. Avoid leaving your children vulnerable to inaccurate information from peers, media, or the internet. Proactively engage in these conversations to ensure they receive accurate and healthy information.

7. Thinking That Fighting Your Children’s Peers Is a Way to Give Sex Education: Some parents believe that fighting against peer pressure is the best way to protect their children. Instead of fighting, aim to manage it by creating a positive environment. You can’t always choose your child’s friends, but you can influence their environment to promote healthy choices. Foster a supportive atmosphere where your child feels comfortable discussing peer influences and making positive decisions.

Parenting is a complex task that requires adaptability and continuous learning. The concerns of the past, such as avoiding teenage pregnancy, are not the only issues today. It demands an up-to-date approach, addressing the broader context of sex education to help children navigate today’s challenges effectively.

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At What Age Should I Give My Child a Phone?

Parenting in the digital age presents unique challenges, one of which is deciding when to give your child their first smartphone. This question is common among parents today: “Coach, when should I give my child a smartphone?”

Before diving into an answer, let’s consider some compelling statistics. According to a 2022 Pew Research Center study, 95% of teens report having access to a smartphone. The average age at which children get their first smartphone is now around 10-12 years old. Alarmingly, 77% of teens admit to texting and chatting late at night when they should be sleeping, and 67% of teachers report that today’s teens are more distracted by smartphones. Furthermore, only 15% of parents know their child’s online activities and habits. About 44% of teens have watched inappropriate content online, yet only 24% are aware of it. A staggering 90% of children aged 8 to 16 have seen pornography online, with 70% of children encountering it accidentally while playing games or doing homework. The largest group of pornography consumers today is children aged 12 to 17.

Given these statistics, it’s clear that technology is here to stay. Instead of living in denial, fear, or anxiety—which often leads to a reactive “fire brigade” approach when things go wrong—we need to arm ourselves with knowledge. This blog post will discuss the “what,” “why,” and “when” of giving a child a smartphone.

The Why

Understanding why you might consider giving your child a smartphone is crucial. Here are some common reasons:

  1. Staying in Touch: With families often geographically dispersed, a smartphone can help children stay in contact with parents or relatives who live abroad.
  2. Safety: Parents may want their child to have a phone for emergency contact or tracking purposes.
  3. Educational Apps and Resources: Some parents believe a smartphone can aid their child’s education by providing access to learning apps and online resources.
  4. Social Interaction: Facilitating social connections with friends can be another reason.
  5. Peer Pressure: Sometimes, parents give in to the pressure of wanting their child to keep up with their peers.
  6. Peace of Mind: Some parents buy phones to avoid constant borrowing or to maintain family peace by reducing conflicts over shared devices.

While these reasons are valid, they can also hinder effective parenting. In homes where technology dominates, personal interactions can suffer. It’s essential to evaluate if your reasons are robust enough and consider the broader impact on family dynamics and your child’s development.

The What: Considerations Before Giving Your Child a Smartphone

Before introducing your child to a smartphone, here are critical factors to consider:

  1. Family Media Plan: Establish clear rules and boundaries about media usage. This plan should outline what can be watched, when, and for how long. If your child is already addicted to TV or other screens, introducing a smartphone without a media plan can exacerbate the issue.
  2. Rules and Boundaries: Develop a media plan that includes guidelines for all types of screens—phones, tablets, TVs, etc. In my home, for instance, we have a rule against using electronics while traveling. Instead, we encourage reading or observing the surroundings to build situational awareness.
  3. Written Contract: When the time comes for your child to get a phone, create a written contract outlining the rules, expectations, and consequences for misuse. This contract should be reviewed and agreed upon by all family members.
  4. Digital Citizenship: Teach your child how to be a responsible digital citizen. This includes understanding online behavior, privacy, and the impact of their actions.

The When: Assessing Readiness for a Smartphone

Age alone should not determine when to give your child a smartphone. Instead, assess their readiness based on the following criteria:

  1. Maturity and Responsibility: Can your child manage their impulses and screen time without constant supervision? Are they capable of stopping a game when told to?
  2. Understanding Actions and Consequences: Does your child grasp the potential dangers of sharing personal information online?
  3. Situational Awareness: Can they navigate their immediate environment safely and make sound decisions?
  4. Emotional Stability: Is your child emotionally mature enough to handle the ups and downs of social media interactions?
  5. Following Instructions: Can your child adhere to rules and boundaries regarding phone usage?
  6. Time Management: Does your child demonstrate good time management skills, balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and leisure time effectively?
  7. Decision-Making Skills: Is your child capable of making appropriate decisions independently, such as choosing suitable content to watch and knowing when to stop?
  8. Developmental Milestones: Children around 16 years old typically have better abstract thinking and problem-solving skills.
  9. Social Development: Avoid giving a smartphone to a socially awkward child, as it may exacerbate their issues.
  10. Family Dynamics and Knowledge: Consider your family values, expectations, and technological philosophy. Role modeling is crucial—how you use and manage technology will significantly influence your child.

Navigating the decision of when to give your child a smartphone requires careful consideration of their maturity, responsibility, and your family dynamics. By establishing a robust media plan, setting clear rules and boundaries, and assessing your child’s readiness, you can make an informed decision that supports their development and safety.

If you’re struggling with these decisions due to past experiences or uncertainties, consider seeking additional support. Enroll in our “Sex Educate Your Child Like a Pro” course to learn more about managing screen time and having tech conversations with your child. Remember, effective parenting in the digital age requires continuous learning and proactive planning.

By addressing these considerations and adopting a structured approach, you can ensure that your child receives the guidance and support they need to navigate the digital world responsibly

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Five Common Mistakes Parents Make While Having Sex Conversations

As parents, one of the most challenging conversations to have with our children is about sex. Unfortunately, many parents make common mistakes during these conversations, often due to their own unresolved traumas and discomfort. In this blog post, we’ll explore five of these common mistakes and provide guidance on how to navigate sex conversations more effectively.

Recently, a parent in our academy shared her experience of being sexually molested as a child. This reminded me of my own experiences—one involving a friend of my father’s and another with a reverend father. In both instances, I had to fight my way out and, fearing my father’s reaction, I confided only in my mother. Many parents have similar stories, often brushed under the rug and left unaddressed. These unresolved traumas can impact how we discuss sex with our children, sometimes leading to avoidance or inappropriate approaches. For instance, one parent shared how her trauma led to her avoiding sex conversations, resulting in her twelve-year-old daughter becoming pregnant.

The Impact of Trauma on Sex Conversations

Trauma from past experiences can complicate matters, leading many parents to inadvertently pass on their pain to their children. If you find yourself unable to discuss sex with your child, it may be due to unresolved trauma. This avoidance can create a cycle where children do not feel comfortable asking their parents about sex, leading to misinformation and potentially harmful situations.

Mistake 1: Using Fear, Shame, or Absolutes

One of the most common mistakes is using scare tactics to communicate about sex. Many parents believe that instilling fear will deter children from engaging in sexual activities. However, the teenage brain is attracted to risk, and scare tactics can have the opposite effect, making risky behavior more appealing.

Using exaggerated consequences to instill fear creates anxiety and can backfire, prompting teens to explore the very behaviors parents want to prevent. Research has shown that fear-based approaches are ineffective because the brain does not learn well under fear. Instead, they can trigger curiosity and rebellion.

Example

Parents often use frightening stories and exaggerated consequences to instill fear into their children. For example, telling a child they will get pregnant if they engage in sex can backfire when the child’s brain interprets the risk as something to try.

Mistake 2: Waiting for Children to Ask

Another mistake is waiting for children to initiate sex conversations. The law of first mention states that the first source of information about a topic often holds the most influence. If children hear about sex from peers or the internet before their parents, parents lose a critical opportunity to shape their understanding and values.

It’s essential to have age-appropriate conversations early on. Start the dialogue about body parts and boundaries from a young age. If children aren’t asking about sex, it’s crucial to be proactive and ensure they receive accurate and healthy information from you, their parent.

Example

If the first time your child hears about where babies come from is from a friend at school, they may receive inaccurate information. Parents should introduce the topic in an age-appropriate manner, ensuring they are the first source of accurate information.

Mistake 3: Telling Lies

Parents often lie to avoid uncomfortable truths, thinking this will protect their children. For example, saying babies come from the stomach or claiming to have been virgins until marriage to discourage sexual activity. However, lying breaks the law of trust, which is vital in sex conversations.

Trust is the cornerstone of effective sex education. When parents lie, children eventually discover the truth, damaging trust and credibility. Being vulnerable and honest, even about uncomfortable topics, builds trust and fosters open communication.

Example

When parents tell their children they married as virgins despite having not, they think this will encourage abstinence. However, when children discover the truth, they lose trust in their parents, damaging the relationship.

Mistake 4: Overreacting

Overreacting during sex conversations can shut down communication. Children test parents with stories to gauge reactions. If parents overreact with anger or panic, children may withhold information in the future.

Emotional intelligence helps manage reactions during these conversations. It’s essential to remain calm and composed, asking for the full story before reacting. This approach encourages children to share more openly and builds a foundation of trust and safety.

Example

Children might share a story about a friend’s sexual experience to gauge a parent’s reaction. If the parent reacts with anger or panic, the child may choose not to share personal experiences or concerns in the future.

Mistake 5: Neglecting to Teach Assertiveness

Building Confidence

Sex education is not just about the mechanics of sex; it’s also about teaching children to be assertive and set boundaries. If children cannot confidently say no or assert their boundaries, they are more vulnerable to coercion and abuse.

Teach your children to look adults in the eye and assert their boundaries. Conversations about sex should include discussions on consent and respect. Clear, age-appropriate communication is key to empowering children to protect themselves.

Example

If children are not taught to be assertive, they may struggle to say no in uncomfortable situations. Teaching assertiveness helps them confidently assert their boundaries, making them less vulnerable to coercion.

Navigating sex conversations with children can be challenging, especially if parents are dealing with their own unresolved traumas. However, by avoiding common mistakes such as using fear tactics, waiting for children to ask, telling lies, overreacting, and neglecting to teach assertiveness, parents can foster a healthy and open dialogue about sex.

If you’re struggling with these conversations due to past traumas, consider seeking healing and support. Our Healing from Childhood Trauma course is designed to help you address and overcome these issues. Remember, effective parenting requires continuous learning and growth. Don’t hesitate to reach out, get educated, and create a safe space for your children to learn about sex.

By addressing these common mistakes and adopting healthier communication strategies, you can ensure that your children receive the guidance and support they need as they navigate their own understanding of sex and relationships.


Sex Educate Your Child Like a Pro 4.0 is here again

This time is here with a different curriculum once again: so even if you attended last year , it’s still brand NEW!

Registration starts on Wednesday with a flag sale where you get 90% discount.

Joining the wait-list means you get to pay #2,999 ($4) only instead of #15,500 ($6) for the course. There will be a flash sale for this challenge on Wednesday  .. 5th June 2024 ONLY!

People on the waist list will get a flash sale of 90% discount Joining the wait list means you will get perks and discounts as soon as registration is announced on June 5th ,2024.

Instead of paying 15,500 for the course you get to pay N2,999 only.. On that day Join the waits for Sex Educate Like a Pro 4.0

ENJOY THESE PERKS WHEN YOU JOIN THE WAITLIST

• Get a 50% 2 hour flash sale offer on Monday

• Guided hands: A father’s handbook on penises care and health discussion with their sons.

• Guided fingers: A mother’s handbook on vagina care and health discussion with their daughters.

• Walking your child through puberty course.

• Get bonuses worth over N50,000

REGISTRATION FEE: 15,000/$17

2 HOUR FLASH SALE ONLY ON 5th JUNE N2,999/$4

This is strictly for those on the waitlist

Join here: https://bit.ly/SexEducateWaitlist01

Special offer for registering people in groups of 10 and above. Flash sale will only be announced at 12 noon -2pm on Monday.