When you took your first child home from the hospital, you knew everything there about how to be a good parent, right? Not even! Most of us didn't even read a parenting book before we become parents and yet, we all wish there was a parenting manual or instructions, or something to help us out. Parenting is "on the job training" and the goal of Kudos for Families is to give parents as much information possible to help them be better parents and make life just a little bit easier amidst the overwhelm and challenges of parenting.

In this episode, I am interviewing my friend, Heather Norton for our Tuesday's Child interview. She shares her thoughts, feelings, struggles and joys as the mother of beautiful Charlotte, who has Downs Syndrome.  

Heather hopes that by sharing her story with others, she can make the world a better place. Her motto and favorite hashtag is "faith over fear."   She believes in pressing forward even when things don't go as you envisioned they would. "One step and a time. One day at a time. Have faith and never lose hope for a better tomorrow.

She would love to support other parents of children with Downs Syndrome.  You can find her on facebook, heathernorton or on instagram as neverenoughnailsbyheather.  

Over the years I have had many experiences with people as they have watched my special needs daughter, Emmalene. In this episode, I share an episode with you where another child asked what was wrong with my daughter in a negative way. I then share six things I would like to offer to parents to help them teach their kids how to interact with people with disabilities.

Have you ever been in that place? You know, the one where you wonder if being a parent is really worth it? And, how in the world you are going to keep going? In this podcast, I share something a stranger said to me that made me stop and think and he reminded me that it is worth it!

If you are frustrated because you can’t get your kids to do anything, this podcast is for you!  We will dive into what motivates behavior and how to use it effectively.  When you are done listening to this episode, you will have the tools you need to get your kids to do their homework and chores, and be kind and cooperate without the usual begging, pleading and nagging (you know you do it!)

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• What the pleasure-pain principle is and how to use it to motivate your kids.
• The secret to motivating all behavior-NEED!
• Why your kids need to need.
• What teenage retirement is and how to stop it in your home.
• Why you shouldn’t provide everything for your kids.
• What hot buttons are and how to use them.
• How to set up your home so your kids are motivated to work, be kind and help around the house.