| Raising children is a confusing business. There are | | | | One popular mistake parents make is asking instead |
| times when any parent or caregiver can use additional | | | | of telling. The way you phrase your words determines |
| parenting advice. There are many books available to | | | | whether your children see your request as optional or |
| parents to help get through the day-to-day issues. | | | | required. Take away all wishy-washy phrases from |
| Every child is different, and every parent is different, | | | | your vocabulary. When you want your child to do |
| too. Because of this, there are no cookie-cutter | | | | something or stop doing something, make a clear and |
| solutions that will work for everyone. The best | | | | specific statement that leaves no room for confusion. |
| suggestion is for you to review all the solutions you | | | | Many parents start out on the right track, but are |
| discover and take a few quiet minutes to think about | | | | derailed by an incredibly persistent child. It seems that |
| them. Modify the suggestions to best suit your family, | | | | when children couple their youthful energy with an |
| and don't be afraid to try out more than one until you | | | | extraordinary ability to pinpoint their parent's weak |
| discover the best answer. | | | | spots, the result is usually disaster. |
| Here are some tips: | | | | If you are doing your job as a parent, there are many |
| 1) Tell your children that you love them. Don't just show | | | | times when your decisions will not be popular with your |
| it by buying them things. Verbalize it and show them by | | | | kids. When your child is nagging, whining and pleading |
| hugging them. | | | | with you, it is a sure sign that you have made the right |
| 2) Be involved in your children's lives - go to their | | | | decision. It is also a sign that you need to disengage |
| concerts, games, and plays. This should be your | | | | from your youngster and teach him you will not be |
| highest priority. | | | | easily swayed by his persistence. |
| 3) Involve your children in family decisions. | | | | Your most important goal as a parent is not to make |
| 4) Do not ever say "Because I said so" or "Because I | | | | your children happy on a short-term basis. It is to raise |
| am the parent". Instead always rationally explain your | | | | capable and responsible human beings. There are |
| reasons for making a decision. Not only will children | | | | many times when your children will be unhappy with |
| then understand and comply easier, but it will help them | | | | your decisions. |
| to develop their own reasoning skills. | | | | Today there are more parents than any other |
| 5) Actively participate with your children in activities | | | | generation of parents in history. There is an incredible |
| outside of the home. | | | | amount of information and knowledge about parenting |
| Do not hesitate to share the ups and downs of | | | | advice you can get from friends, books, and the |
| parenting with another parent. You may be surprised | | | | internet. Take advantage of this information. Read and |
| to find that they are experiencing some of the same | | | | take note. And be confident in your actions. |
| joys and frustrations as you. | | | | |