As a parent you want to do the right thing. You want your child to be happy and healthy and you know the way you behave will have a big bearing on the way your kids turn out. There are tips on how make the most of your parenting skills. You could check out the many resources available on parenting or you could use some good old fashioned common sense and apply the following suggestions.
Make parenting a two-way street. Sure you are the adult and will make the rules and apply any rewards or punishments but getting your child to have a say is a brilliant idea. If the child contributes to the rules, rewards and consequences, they will have a greater desire to do the right thing.
Self discipline is arguably the best discipline. If your child can work their way out of a problem without being led by the hand or have you standing over them telling them how and what to so, then the child will definitely benefit and life for you will certainly be better.
You need to be sure you understand the definition of the expression 'quality time'. Kids and their parents benefit from quality time together. It doesn't only mean being in the same room or venue together. It does mean interaction between the adult and the child with both showing respect and interest in the other. The more and the better your quality time, the better will be the results of your parenting.
Giving orders in a threatening way is never a good option. Having children being afraid is bad for everyone. By all means make it clear who is in authority but brow-beating a child only develops resentment and fear. Be firm but be fair.
It is no use having rules unless you have both clarity and consistency. Clarity means all rules must be clearly understood by the child. Consistency means that any ruling a parent makes must be in line with previous decisions. It is always wrong to shift the goalposts during the game.
Belittling a child is a serious mistake. Self-esteem is vital to your child's mental health and more besides. Every child has worth and while you may wish to correct even punish, at no time should your child feel worthless. On the contrary, your child should understand that even though they have made a mistake or broken the agreed rules, they are loved and respected.
Remember that childhood is a short space of time relatively speaking. When your children are adults you want them to have a healthy relationship with their parents. When your kids grow up they will thank you for being firm but fair. They will appreciate that you have shown them love whenever you decided to reward or punish them.
Allowing your child to do as they please without reprimand or punishment is arguably as bad as being cruel towards them. Children want guidelines. They want to know where they go and how they can behave. If you set rules, explain them well and administer them fairly and without favor, you will go a long way to building a loving and lasting relationship with your children.
To get free parenting tips and some Christian advice on parenting visit Christian Parenting. If wish to seek professional advice for your teen you may contact us.
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