| Do you know what it means to be a good parent? | | | | Some parents will give in and allow their children to |
| That you try your hardest to do the best for your | | | | wear some of the more questionable teen fashions, |
| children. That doesn't mean you'll always get it right! | | | | while other parents will give in on video game trends. |
| Parenting comes naturally to most people; however | | | | Still other parents will give their children the latest |
| even the most confident parents have questions at | | | | electronic devices. Today's big question is whether or |
| some point. This is why we've compiled a list of | | | | not children should have their own cell phones, a trend |
| common parenting questions from parents just like you. | | | | that is increasing among pre-teens and teens alike. It's |
| Hopefully the answers will give you some ideas and | | | | a matter of personal choice - but you will need to instill |
| strategies for raising your own children. | | | | limits with your children right from the beginning. |
| - How will I know when it's time to move my toddler | | | | - When should I start giving my child an allowance? A |
| out of his crib? Once they reach 30 inches tall, children | | | | good rule of thumb is that when your child starts |
| should be moved out of their crib and into a bed. This | | | | asking for money to buy items, they are ready to start |
| is a safety concern, because taller children are prone | | | | receiving an allowance. Giving your child money of their |
| to falling over the edge of crib rails. If you are worried | | | | own can be a great way to teach her child about the |
| that your child will fall out of a bed, use a guardrail. | | | | value and responsibility of money. When establishing an |
| There are many options available, and the best is a rail | | | | allowance system with younger children, consider |
| that slides between the mattress and box spring for | | | | keeping the money until your child needs it for |
| stabilization. Another option is a toddler bed, which | | | | something. This will alleviate a lot of frivolous spending, |
| places your child just a few inches off of the floor. | | | | and guarantee that your child will not lose her money. |
| - How am I best to handle the death of my child's pet? | | | | - How can I understand why my child loves to argue |
| Chances are that if you have had your pet for some | | | | with me? Children like power. Arguing gives them a |
| time, your child is very attached to the animal. | | | | sense of power, particularly when you react instead of |
| Remember that just because your pet is not a person, | | | | respond. One of the most important things to any older |
| it is still very possible for your child to have developed | | | | child is proving that he or she is right - and that |
| a strong attachment. When the pet dies, your child is | | | | everyone else is wrong. You will never win a power |
| just as likely to suffer from grief as they would be if a | | | | struggle with a child - so don't allow a power struggle |
| loved one had died. Be open and honest with your child | | | | to evolve in the first place. When your child starts to |
| - regardless of his or her age. | | | | argue, state your response ONCE and walk away. If |
| - How can I stay on top of trends? When it comes to | | | | you need to repeat what you said more than one time, |
| fads and trends, the one consistency is change. What | | | | be prepared with consequences. |
| your child is begging for one day, he will be scoffing at | | | | Questions come with the territory when you're a |
| the next. As a parent, you will need to make sure that | | | | parent. So if you find yourself asking more questions |
| your child does not 'fall behind the time', while showing | | | | then you know the answers to, you're not alone. In |
| them that not every fad is worth following. It is | | | | fact, we were amazed by the number of questions |
| important to be clear with your reasons when you tell | | | | parents came forward with when we asked them |
| your child that they cannot have a specific item. And, | | | | what was on their minds. Hopefully reading the |
| you need to make sure that you do allow your child to | | | | answers to these common parenting questions has |
| follow some fads that don't pose a significant problem. | | | | given you something to think about. |