7 Tips to Be a Better Parent

If disciplined properly, with love, respect compassion and guidance, our children will not have a desire or need to turn to gangs or drugs, or sex to feel loved and belonged.

Here are some guidelines to help your children feel loved and wanted, and still maintain control in your home.

1 - Spend REAL time with them

Our children's self esteem is greatly affected by how much and the quality of time we spend with them. Quite often, as busy parents, we are too busy thinking about everything else that needs to be done, rather than focusing on our children when they are talking to us or trying to tell us something. When you child comes to you and starts talking, STOP what you are doing, and engage in conversation. If you can not stop what you are doing, tell them you will come back to them in 5, 10 minutes, then DO IT.

2 - Actions speak louder than words

Statistics suggest we give our children over 2000 requests a day! Its no wonder they don't listen to us! A better idea, rather than nagging for them to put their clothes in the hamper, is to only wash the ones in the hamper! Action speaks louder than words!

3 - Help Empower your children!

Quite often, we do jobs that a little one could do, simply because we can do it faster. but let your kids help fold towels, dry plastic dishes or wash fruits and vegetables! Sure, you might have to re do it later, but it gives them a sense of belonging and that they are a helpful, contributing member of the family!

4. Let them Learn lessons on their own!

Sometimes not interfering can teach a lesson. When little Suzy forgets her lunch box, don't take it to her! She wont starve, but she will earn that she needs to remember to take it to school!

5- Ignore Conflict

If little Suzy decided to throw herself on the floor in hysterics, because she wanted the sandwich cut in triangles, and you cut it in squares, don't argue! Tell her that is her lunch, and if she wants to talk about it you will be in the other room.

6 - A bad action does not make a bad child

Don't tell your e child they are bad. Rather, tell them they DID something bad, and you do not like the ACTION. It is what they did that made you mad, not they themselves.By calling a child bad, they get it in their head, that they ARE bad.

7- Be Consistent, Follow Through

If you tell your child they can not get candy or a toy from the store before you get there, do not let them get one. If you give in to begging and whining, you'll only show them that they can get what they want regardless of what you said!