Parenting Tips

As parents, the most basic of responsibilities is to keep their children safe and healthy to the best of their abilities. The key here is the “best of their abilities” – good (or bad) parenting can often be defined by intent. The care a parent provides for their child – that is consciously intended to be beneficial can help us define good parenting. Raising kids today is arguably harder than ever before. But, there are some ways to help ease the stress and strain of raising your little ones and prevent behaviour problems through good parenting. 1. Establish ―together time. Establish a regular weekly routine for doing something special with your child – even if it is just going out for an ice cream. 2. Get to know your kid’s friends and their parents so that you are familiar with their activities. 3. Try to be there after school when your child gets home. 4. Eat together often. Meals are a great time to talk about the day and bond. 5. Be a better listener. Ask and encourage questions. Showing your willingness to listen will make your child feel more comfortable about opening up to you. 6. Do not react in a way that will cut off further discussion. If your child says things that shock you, turn them into a calm discussion. 7. Be a living, day to day, example of your value system. Show the compassion, honesty, generosity and openness you want your child to have. 8. Reward good behaviour consistently and immediately. Expressions of love, appreciation and thanks go a long way. 9. Accentuate the positive. Emphasize what your kid does right. Restrain the urge to be critical. Affection and respect will reinforce                                                                              good behaviour. Embarrassment or uneasiness will not. 10. Create rules. Discuss in advance the consequences of breaking them. Do not make empty threats or let the rule-breaker get off easily. Do not impose harsh or unexpected new punishments. 11. Set a curfew, enforce it strictly, but be ready to negotiate on special occasions. 12. Listen to your instincts. Do not be afraid to intervene if your gut reaction tells you something is wrong. 13. Let your children know how much you care in every situation you can, and especially when they are having problems. 14. Take time to teach your children values at an early age. Live your own values every day. 15. Get involved in your child’s school, your neighbourhood and your community. You along with  the teachers and other authority figures in your child’s life, are responsible for parenting your child. 16. Follow through with consequences for your children’s misbehaviour, not your anger. 17. Let your children take responsibility for their own actions. They will learn quickly if misbehaviour results in unpleasant consequences. 18. Provide an environment for your children where a foundation of mutual appreciation, support and respect is the basis of your relationship into their adult years.