| Invest in your kids with quality time like a | | | | 6. Empower kids about money. Set up a savings |
| Love Savings Account, when things get rough | | | | account, teach them experientially about |
| between you you'll both draw on it to stay | | | | investing, debt, interest and life's |
| connected. Quality time might be: reading | | | | expenses. If they see how much your mortgage |
| together, dicussing dilemmas that arise on TV | | | | and groceries cost, they'll understand why |
| shows you watch together, playing games, | | | | $300.00 shoes are not realistic. |
| coaching their sports teams, cooking | | | | |
| together, camping, or sharing a hobbie. | | | | 7. Set boundaries about time alone and |
| | | | personal space. "When the door is closed or I |
| 2. Use phrases like "Wow! How did you do | | | | am on the phone, don't interrupt me unless |
| that!", "Awesome job!", " I am so proud when | | | | you are on fire." (Well, you get the idea!) |
| you handle yourself like that!", and "I know | | | | |
| you can handle this, I have faith in you, let | | | | 8. The best gift to your kid is good |
| me know if you need my support". | | | | self-care and a loving relationship with your |
| | | | partner. Model that parenting does not equal |
| 3. Tell them how you feel, "I feel __, when | | | | martyrdom. Spending time alone with your |
| you __, and what I would like is ___." This | | | | partner gives kids a healthy model of love |
| models responsibility for your feelings, and | | | | and a sense of security. |
| makes a specific request without blaming. | | | | |
| Phrases like "You always/never..." put people | | | | 9. Teamwork and communication are valuable |
| on the defensive and block communication. | | | | life skills! Put kids in environments where |
| | | | they learn to work as a team, and can safely |
| 4. Make the punishment fit the crime. For | | | | express their thoughts and feelings. Team |
| example, if they fail to do a chore | | | | sports and organizations such as the Scouts |
| regularly, let them know they will have to do | | | | are great team builders. |
| an extra one each time they "forget", or must | | | | |
| do their chores prior to watching TV or | | | | 10. Have your kids contribute at home and in |
| playing with friends. | | | | your community. I suggest you let kids pick |
| | | | chores when possible, would he or she rather |
| 5. Give kids choices. "Would you like | | | | clean the kitchen or fold laundry? Compliance |
| broccoli or green beans with dinner?" This | | | | is higher when kids have some choice in how |
| avoids power struggles, leaves them feeling | | | | they help out. Chores foster pride and |
| respected. Does it really matter how they get | | | | ownership in your home and volunteering |
| their green veggies? | | | | produces pride in service to the world. |
| | | | |