Great Parenting Starts with Self Confidence

We'd all like to be as strong as George Lopez, asfor medium rule breaches and the last for significant
consistent as Super Nanny, and as selfless as Harrymissteps. The jobs can range from sweeping out the
Potter's mom Lily. In truth, most parents offer agarage to washing a set of windows inside and out.
reasonably balanced mix of setting limits for their kidsThis works best when you have the kids create the
and letting them make choices. They make rules tojobs list. Then, when they pull out a task they have to
create structure but use flexible consequences tocomplete, they're not surprised by what they find.
respond to real situations. Great parents pick theirAs parents, you want to do everything you can to
battles and use positive humor to transform anmaintain a strong sense of self confidence at every
impending storm into a learning opportunity. They havestage of your child's growth. When you feel good
fun with their kids and share common goals as aabout yourself you can take time to appreciate each
family.of your children's special qualities. Give your kids
Many parents have experienced those disturbinginsights about how to cope with life effectively. Teach
moments when they become uncharacteristicallyyour kids how to be good listeners and self assured
threatening, push their kids too hard to excel, or sayproblem solvers. You can show them how to maintain
something that injures their child's self esteem. On thea sense of self worth by demonstrating those qualities
flip side, parents feel overwhelmed at times and canyourself, even when you are under stress. One easy
cave when their child makes a demand. Mom or Dadway to keep your self confidence strong is to listen to
might not follow-up on consequences or give in toa relaxation CD that boosts your inner confidence. The
tempestuous behavior because they've simply run outPress Play Series has just come out with a new
of energy.Energize Self Confidence CD. It runs about 30 minutes
Kids have built-in radar that zeros in on their parent'sand listening to it, or other similar CDs, can help you
weakest moments and they know how to spin thosestay at the top of your parenting game. You can find
opportunities to their advantage. That's why it'sEnergize Self Confidence at Amazon for a reasonable
important for parents to take time to take care of$19.99 or at
themselves. Make a list of seven things you can do forOne frazzled dad noted: "Children today are tyrants.
yourself that take 30 minutes or so to accomplish andThey contradict their parents, gobble their food, and
take a half hour everyday to revive your sprit. Listentyrannize their teachers." That quote comes from
to a relaxing CD, walk in a nearby park, stop for a cupSocrates who lived from 470-399 BCE. It's comforting
of your favorite coffee and read, workout, dance,to know that parents have always faced challenges
watch a funny TV show...you get the idea. Taking timewhen raising their children. Look for parenting
for yourself not only helps you stay centered, itresources on the web and in your local bookstores.
teaches your kids an important lesson about self care,Share stories and strategies with other parents. It
something they'll understand best when they are adults.doesn't matter if you are a single parent, married or
Try proactive instead of reactive consequences.bringing kids up in a multigenerational household, great
Rather than taking things away from your kids orparenting starts from the inside. Take care of yourself
grounding them, create action oriented penalties. A jobso you have the energy you need to nurture your kids.
jar is one great way to keep everyone movingYour insight and caring today multiplies over the years
toward improved behavior. You might even try threeand opens the door to your child's happy future.
jars. You can have one for small infractions, another