1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your child to focus on her many strengths.
2. Reinforce the positives. Give praise, recognition, a special privilege or increased responsibility for a job well done.
3. Define limits and rules clearly. A family council is an excellent place to discuss, explain and get a sense of ownership to the rules. Discuss what consequences will follow if the rules are not followed. Don't have a lot of rules, maybe four or five, but be consistent at following them.
4. Give your children responsibility to make the house a home. Everyone in the family should be responsible for some household chores daily. Responsibility makes them feel valued and part of the team.
5. Don't re-do their jobs. If you expect perfection, it is too easy for them to quit trying or else hope that you will step in and "save them" when it gets difficult.
6. Laugh at their jokes and listen attentively when they are talking to you. Being fully present when you are with your child is the only quality time there is.
7. If they don't fit in, teach them basic social skills. There are a number of behaviors that can be learned to help the "left out" child to fit into the group more easily.
8. Show them that what they do is important to you. Talk to them about activities and interests. Help them to find a hobby or interest that they excel at. Go to their games, presentations and activities.
9. Help them to set goals. Teach them to break each long-range goal into manageable bites. It is important to succeed at something ever day. Acknowledge your own successes so they can be more aware of progress they are making.
10. Don't punish them for telling the truth. Discuss problems without placing blame or attacking the child's character. Worry less about "who did this?" and more about "Let's get this mess cleaned up." If a child knows he has made a bad choice but doesn't feel attacked, he will feel more secure in trying to find solutions.
11. Create opportunities to give service and to develop tolerance for others with different values and backgrounds. These experiences can help a child to see himself in reference to the rest of the world and to be more understanding of the needs of others.
12. Give them opportunities to make decisions. Help them to see that each decision has pros and cons and may have consequences for themselves and others. If they want to do something that is clearly harmful, explain why you cannot allow them to act on it.
13. Teach them to deal with money and time wisely. When children are organized and responsible for their homework and allowance, it breeds self-assurance and personal responsibility.
14. Be a good role model. Let your children know that you feel good about yourself, but also teach them by example that mistakes aren't final but learning experiences.
15. Start and end each day on a positive and loving note. Give lots of hugs, kisses and high fives. Let them know on a consistent basis that your love is unconditional and that you are proud of them as a member of the family. You may occasionally be disappointed in their actions or choices, but will always be available for support.
? Judy H. Wright, Author, Speaker and Life Educator www.artichokepress.com
This article was written by Judy Wright, parent educator and author. Feel free to use it in your newsletter or publication, but please give full credit to the author and mention the contact information of JudyWright@ArtichokePress.com, 406-549-9813.
You will find a full listing of books, tapes, newsletters and workshops available on finding the heart of the story in the journey of life by going to www.artichokepress.com
best cleaning company Lincolnshire ..Every parent wants their child to develop positive character traits.... Read More
Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More
It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More
Is Homework Really That Important?Dear Friends,I no longer teach in... Read More
Cardiovascular endurance is one of the five health-related components of... Read More
It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More
Once, as a Learning Support Teacher, I made my way... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
Loving your step-child can be both simple and hard. It... Read More
If you are a parent, then more than likely you... Read More
One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture... Read More
In the news, we hear and see an increasing number... Read More
Do you think you really know your child? I don't... Read More
Uh oh.Your kids arrive home with their school reports and... Read More
How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More
Parents want their children to succeed in school. However, sometimes... Read More
Many people still think that the game of chess is... Read More
Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More
Home schooling. What is it? What does it mean to... Read More
Not all parents subscribe to the notion of "tough love,"... Read More
Giving advice to a teenager is very easy; getting a... Read More
The purpose of this article is to address some of... Read More
Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
The choices are mind numbing. Walk into any toy store... Read More
on demand house cleaning Lake Forest ..Something happened the other day that made me feel uneasy.... Read More
Research published by University of Rochester neuroscientists C. Shawn Green... Read More
A number of scientific studies have shown the way a... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
Angie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept... Read More
Child support is defined as that part of your income... Read More
Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More
Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More
Kitchens are where everything happens. It's not just where meals... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
Are you being smart about water conservation? Do you consider... Read More
Recently I took my two children to a popular new... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comLegacy to Your ChildrenIt's 6:30... Read More
A fun way to build your child's imaginationWriting is still... Read More
"Money is tight, and my husband's obsessed with doing everything... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
We are all familiar with the stories that most students... Read More
Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
One reason public schools get away with educational failure, year... Read More
Maintain CommunicationEven though teens need to separate from their parents... Read More
Join a growing number of parents and teachers!Fact: Last year,... Read More
Most people have more training before they receive their driver's... Read More
Do you praise your child when he fulfils a basic... Read More
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a... Read More
Parenting |