Although parenting is arguable the most important job in the world, it is, ironically enough, one of the few jobs that comes with little to no required training. (Not to mention no pay!) Anyone, after all, can be a parent. Faced with such an important job, where can parents go to for guidance?
Praise your children often! If you ‘catch’ your child doing an appropriate behavior, tell him how proud you are. Children love positive words and praise. Hearing kind words will help your child to feel good about himself and will cause him to continue trying to do good things to receive more praise.
If you have a difficult or especially demanding toddler, consider part-time daycare or nursery school. These options allow you maintain most of the control in raising your child, but still get them out of the house. Nursery school can provide a situation in which your child is being cared for by someone who won’t give in to their demands and doesn’t mind if they cry.
If you have more than one child, it is important that you pay the same amount of attention to all of them, no matter what their ages are. You do not want one child to be neglected– this could cause them to show resentment toward you when they get older.
Infants and toddlers do not need to drink any kind of soda. Stick with drinks which provide your child nutrients like water, juice or milk.
A great parenting tip is to encourage your child to participate in sports. By encouraging your child to participate in sports, you’re helping them socialize and stay fit at the same time. It can also be a great way to bond because they’ll remember how you always went to their games.
If you need to use the restroom, and your baby is upset at being placed in their carrier, turn on the bathroom fan and sink. Both of these noises mimic the sound of your heartbeat, which your baby was consistently soothed by in the womb. This technique should give you a few quiet minutes to take care of yourself.
Be sure to take some time away from your children. This is good for you but also for them. It allows you to have some grownup time but also teaches your children how to be more independent. If you are going to leave for more than an hour be sure they know when you will return.
If you are concerned about germs and stickiness on your child’s plastic and rubber toys but don’t have the time to clean and dry each one, throw them in a mesh laundry bag and run them through your washing machine with a dye-free, fragrance-free detergent. Easy in, easy out!
Playing outside with your child will benefit the both of you. Spending time together drawing with chalk on the driveway, will strengthen the bond between you both; many times opening doors to insightful conversation. Playing together outside will also help keep you both physically fit and help you to live happier, healthier lives.
Developing a calming bedtime routine is one of the most important parenting skills you need to make sure that your children get the sleep they need to be their best every day. Routines can include a warm bath, a healthy light snack and a soothing bedtime story. Gentle hugs and kisses will send them off to dreamland.
When you are planning outside activities with young children equip them with miniature first aid kits of band-aids, mosquito repellent wipes, and sunscreen. This will save you many frustrations having to run back to the camp, house or your vehicle for a band-aid for even the most inconsequential boo boo.
As a parent, it is important to encourage good behavior with positive reinforcement. Kids want attention. If they are unable to get it with good behavior, they will act out with bad behavior. Parents who fail to provide their children with positive attention on appropriate occasions are actually encouraging potentially bad behavior.
Getting your kids to do chores can be an opportunity for positive character-building rather than an ordeal. If you keep records (like a chore chart) of your expectations and encourage your children to meet them, you can foster a sense of accomplishment and actually make them look forward to helping out around the house.
Parenting Skills
Do not feel ashamed if you want to take parenting classes. These classes are made to help parents cope with the stresses and difficult decisions that come with parenting. By taking these classes, you are showing that you are willing to do whatever it takes in order to improve your parenting skills.
Developing a calming bedtime routine is one of the most important parenting skills you need to make sure that your children get the sleep they need to be their best every day. Routines can include a warm bath, a healthy light snack and a soothing bedtime story. Gentle hugs and kisses will send them off to dreamland.
To improve your parenting skills, allow your children the opportunity to develop their self-reliance by taking a step back and letting them learn how to do things on their own. Doing everything for your child can actually be damaging to their self esteem because it deprives them of the knowledge and confidence to handle situations on their own.
To improve your parenting skills, choose your fights wisely, and fight fair. Children need to feel that they have control over certain aspects their lives, and you can allow them that control by leaving some room for flexibility in household rules. If there is a rule that must be followed, explain the reasoning behind it to your child, rather than simply demanding that it be observed.
