| Raising children is both exhilarating and exhausting. | | | | your children to understand and they will be more likely |
| There are times when even the seasoned veterans | | | | to comply. It will also aid them in developing their own |
| need a little parenting advice. Many parents lack the | | | | reasoning skills. |
| self esteem to trust their own judgment when it come | | | | Actively participate in activities with your children that |
| to raising their children. They just need a little backup. | | | | extend outside of the home. Go places with them, |
| With all the parenting books, videos and classes | | | | have family nights which may involve dinner and a |
| available, parents have a plethora of parenting | | | | movie. Also, schedule some one-on-one time with |
| resources available. The question is, which type of | | | | each child. This will enrich your relationship with your |
| parenting resource works for me and for my child? | | | | children and is a great esteem builder for the child. |
| We are all different, every child as well as every | | | | Watch how you phrase your directions to your |
| parent. With this in mind, you should choose your | | | | children. Don't ask, tell. There are ways to handle giving |
| sources for parenting advice carefully keeping your | | | | directions that don't make you sound like a dictator, |
| child's needs, your family's needs and your needs in | | | | bossing them to "do this" and "do that." You should |
| sight. The best thing you can do is review all the | | | | begin your instruction in such as way that is firm but |
| solutions to find what may work for you. It may involve | | | | not offensive. Instead of "take out the trash," try, |
| some trial and error at first, but you can find parenting | | | | "Jimmy, I need you to take out the trash before you |
| resources that are right for you. | | | | go outside, please." You have instructed what must be |
| There are some basic parenting tips that apply to | | | | done, set a boundary and said please. The child feels |
| most any situation and most families. You may want | | | | more respected. And don't forget to say thank you |
| to start here. | | | | when he does the task per your specifications. If he |
| Tell your children that you love them. Don't just buy | | | | does it, but it was done poorly or he missed something, |
| them things and hope that they get the message. | | | | deliver the criticism using the "sandwich method." Begin |
| "Stuff" does not replace the love of a parent. Tell them | | | | with something positive about the job he did, "You took |
| and show them with lots of hugs. | | | | out the trash in the kitchen and even picked up the |
| Get involved in your children's lives. Know where they | | | | trash that had fallen on the floor. Thanks!" Follow that |
| go, who they go with, what they do. Know their friends, | | | | with the criticism, "But I needed you to get the trash in |
| know what they like and dislike. Attend their concerts, | | | | the bathroom as well. Go ahead and grab that now, |
| sporting event, plays and other activities. Show your | | | | please." Then follow with another positive comment, "I |
| children that you are interested in them. | | | | really appreciate that you are so cooperative when I |
| Get your children involved in family discussions. Allow | | | | ask you to do something." It is an old management |
| them to offer input on family decisions, help find | | | | technique that works great with kids. |
| solutions to family problems and offer suggestions for | | | | Network with other parents and you will likely be |
| family activities and rules. This will make you child feel | | | | surprised to find that they too share many of your |
| like a valued family member and increase their self | | | | joys and frustrations as a parent with their own |
| esteem. | | | | children. Other parents can be great parenting |
| Don't fall into the "because I said so" or "because I am | | | | resources and can direct you to parenting books, |
| the parent" trap. Explain to your children why you set | | | | videos or other resources to help you become a |
| certain rules or make certain decisions. This will allow | | | | better parent. |