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
home cleaning services Deerfield ..Parental example, whether for good or for bad, is undoubtedly... Read More
Vacations and trips are great family events, but how do... Read More
Saying no to our children is not always easy or... Read More
In this form of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder... Read More
Question 1 "How do I get more time to play?"... Read More
Wooden toys are one of the best alternatives for the... Read More
School authorities often complain that classes are too large. They... Read More
School authorities continually claim that they want more parent cooperation... Read More
Here is something that you might want to keep if... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
Hey Parents! I hate to tell you, but there is... Read More
Loving your step-child can be both simple and hard. It... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
Handing Down Malignancy.Children may begin bright and eager to face... Read More
Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve... Read More
Creating and making special memories with your child is very... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More
Recently I took my two children to a popular new... Read More
Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th,... Read More
When you hear the phrase, 'guerrilla parenting techniques', what images... Read More
Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with... Read More
Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
As Mother's Day approaches I would like to give a... Read More
recurring housekeeping Highland Park ..In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More
What should the goals for counseling be when the patient... Read More
Recently, a much-anticipated game of mini-golf with my children soon... Read More
One of the challenges for parents with a gifted child... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
The biggest trick some child predators' are using these days... Read More
Under the "No Child Left Behind Act," public schools whose... Read More
Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More
Sometime the most effective training tool in rapidly accelerating the... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
"I could have helped you if I would have known,... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
The time you will need to teach your children the... Read More
There are moments in a parent's or grandparent's life, when... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More
One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture... Read More
Here is a top secret to make your child genius... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
Julia Roberts recently gave birth to twins: Hazel and Phinnaeus.... Read More
Many families today are blending members from past relationships. It... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
Self-reliance and potential are two very important values that I'd... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
For most children, it is easy to learn to read... Read More
Parenting |