Feb 10 2009
10 Ways to be a Better Parent
Let’s all try to raise happy and healthy kids. Here are ten ways to do just that.
1.) Give praise
Throughout the day give your child specific praise, not just a simple “good job”, but acknowledge the specific behavior which warranted the good job. Give your child positive feedback. Don’t forget to observe and acknowledge good behaviors on the spot. It’s always wonderful to “catch” good behaviors as they happen.
2.) Raise grateful kids
You must teach your children responsibility. You can do this by finding ways to help others and by talking about what it means to be a good person. Teach your children values and explain that you and others will feel better when you are nice, honest, and respectful.
3.) Say “I love you”
Three little words can mean so much, so say it often and love all the little moments you have with your family.
4.) Set limits
Don’t deny your children the chance to explore, but set boundaries so they can do it safely. Give them responsibilities, they are good for self-esteem and with developing independence. Allow your children to make some mistakes and to find their own solutions to problems and different ways to do things.
5.) Have dinner
Research has shown the eating dinner as a family is a good time to connect with each other and also helps to develop healthy eating habits.
6.) Teach social skills
Try to ask your children at least three “you” questions everyday. These questions will help to teach your child the art of conversation. Also, it is very important to make eye contact with the people you are speaking with. Tell your children to try to notice the color of a person’s eyes in order to establish good eye contact. Don’t forget to acknowledge your child’s emotions. They may have a temper tantrum, but try to acknowledge what they are feeling and talk about it.
7.) Make quality time
Play with your kids, follow their lead and do what they want to do, allow for no interruptions. Set up a daily reading time, bedtime stories are good for this. Give your children “daddy time”. Research also shows that kids with active fathers do better in school, problem-solve better, and have better coping skills. Make memories for your children by establishing family rituals.
8.) Brain power and physical activity
Try teaching your baby sign language. Don’t forget to provide your children with lots of physical activity. Research shows that brain development in young children may be linked to their activity level.
9.) Be a role model
Always model appropriate, respectful, and good behavior. Apologize to your children if you overreact to something and allow your children to witness your apologies to others. Care for the environment. Teach your children the importance of recycling and cleaning up trash outdoors. Show affection to your spouse and respect parenting differences. Do not criticize or argue in front of your children.
10.) Don’t forget these important healthcare needs
- vaccinations
- brush your child’s teeth twice a day
- keep your children safe by baby-proofing your home and always use car seats & seat belts
- apply sunscreen everytime you go outdoors
Following these simple 10 steps will help to raise happy and healthy children.
