| Even though we need a license to do many things in | | | | Many parents do everything for their kids. This only |
| life — everything from driving and operating a | | | | robs their children of the opportunity to learn |
| forklift to practicing medicine and fishing — there | | | | self-reliance—which is vital to building their |
| is no license required to become a parent and this is | | | | self-esteem. One of the best things you can do is to |
| often the trickiest of all of the above activities! | | | | help your kids learn how to do things for themselves. |
| Parenting today is far more difficult than it was, even a | | | | One of the chapters of my first book on effective |
| generation ago. Many well-intentioned parents are | | | | parenting is called "How To Get Your Kids Doing |
| using outdated and ineffective parenting styles. As a | | | | Their Chores Smiling". Some parents think I am |
| result, they experience daily frustration and stress in | | | | from another planet when I even suggest that kids can |
| their home. | | | | learn to do chores with a smile on their face. These |
| Below you will find my top 7 tips for good parenting. | | | | same doubting parents are often happily surprised |
| These tips inspire children to want to be well behaved, | | | | when they see it is possible—in their own home |
| can reduce family fights and boost family joy. | | | | and in this century! Household chores teach basic life |
| Good Parenting Tip #1 – If you love your | | | | skills everyone needs to know. Also, chores give |
| kids—put yourself first! | | | | children the opportunity to contribute to the household |
| One of the best things we can do for our children is to | | | | in a positive and meaningful way. |
| give them a foundation for becoming a happy and | | | | Good Parenting Tip #5 – Focus on what you |
| healthy adult. Self-care should not be a luxury for | | | | like, not on what you don’t |
| parents—it needs to become a necessity. You | | | | If children aren't being appreciated and aren't getting |
| need self-care both for being a good parent and a | | | | attention for what they do well—and when they |
| healthy and balanced human being. Far too many | | | | behave well—you better believe they will learn |
| children are living with parents who are stressed out | | | | to get attention for not behaving well. The more you |
| and frankly, not at all fun to be around. If you are | | | | notice what you like about what they're doing, the less |
| repeatedly burning the midnight oil, you may be on the | | | | likely they are to morph into destructive little terrors |
| brink of parent burnout—not a pleasant thing for | | | | and the more likely you will inspire your child to repeat |
| you or your family to experience. | | | | the good behaviors and achievements you love. |
| Good Parenting Tip #2 – If married—put | | | | Good Parenting Tip #6 – Give respect and |
| your marriage before your kids! | | | | expect it in return |
| Most of us have heard of Generation X and | | | | Don’t do anything to your child that you |
| Generation Y. But did you realize that Generation | | | | wouldn’t want your child to do to you. The list of |
| S—Generation Spoiled—is on the rise? | | | | things you don’t want to be doing includes: |
| Many children today are raised with an unhealthy | | | | yelling, hitting, spitting, and put downs. There are far |
| sense of entitlement because their parents have made | | | | better ways for you to handle conflict, stress and |
| them the center of the universe. With divorce statistics | | | | common misbehaviors. Commit to learning these |
| still hovering around 50%, children are far too often | | | | “Ultimate Parenting” tools that are based |
| coping with unhappy, failing marriages and | | | | on mutual respect—not fear based punishment |
| divorce– much worse for them than missing out | | | | that only teaches our kids to not get caught next time! |
| on a couple of toys or brand name jeans. Take a | | | | Good Parenting Tip #7 – A family that plays |
| stand and put some time into your marriage (like go on | | | | together stays together! |
| a date night)—for your whole family’s | | | | Have fun—play with your kids. Laughing, tickling, |
| sake! | | | | and enjoying one another’s company is the |
| Good Parenting Tip #3 – Cherish your children | | | | foundation of a happy home. Having fun can go a long |
| No matter what your situation—no matter how | | | | way towards preventing much of the needless conflict |
| often your children drive you crazy—know there | | | | and behaviors that drive you crazy. It also provides |
| are thousands of people in this world who would gladly | | | | your family with much needed quality time. |
| trade places with you. There are couples who would | | | | These seven effective parenting tips above are |
| give anything to just have a child. Strive to remember | | | | child-proofed, effective and fun. By taking the time to |
| how truly fortunate you are. Hug your children at least | | | | learn how to bring out the best in you and in your |
| three times a day. Regularly tell them how grateful you | | | | children, you will reap the rewards that come from the |
| are to have the opportunity to be their parent. | | | | peace of mind—knowing that you did all you |
| Good Parenting Tip #4 – Teach your kids to | | | | could to support and nurture a happy and healthy |
| fish—don’t fish for them! | | | | family life. |