| Even though we need a license to do many | | | | |
| things in life — everything from | | | | Many parents do everything for their kids. |
| driving and operating a forklift to | | | | This only robs their children of the |
| practicing medicine and fishing — there | | | | opportunity to learn |
| is no license required to become a parent and | | | | self-reliance—which is vital to |
| this is often the trickiest of all of the | | | | building their self-esteem. One of the best |
| above activities! | | | | things you can do is to help your kids learn |
| | | | how to do things for themselves. One of the |
| Parenting today is far more difficult than it | | | | chapters of my first book on effective |
| was, even a generation ago. Many | | | | parenting is called "How To Get Your |
| well-intentioned parents are using outdated | | | | Kids Doing Their Chores Smiling". Some |
| and ineffective parenting styles. As a | | | | parents think I am from another planet when I |
| result, they experience daily frustration and | | | | even suggest that kids can learn to do chores |
| stress in their home. | | | | with a smile on their face. These same |
| | | | doubting parents are often happily surprised |
| Below you will find my top 7 tips for good | | | | when they see it is possible—in their |
| parenting. These tips inspire children to | | | | own home and in this century! Household |
| want to be well behaved, can reduce family | | | | chores teach basic life skills everyone needs |
| fights and boost family joy. | | | | to know. Also, chores give children the |
| | | | opportunity to contribute to the household in |
| Good Parenting Tip #1 – If you love | | | | a positive and meaningful way. |
| your kids—put yourself first! | | | | |
| | | | Good Parenting Tip #5 – Focus on what |
| One of the best things we can do for our | | | | you like, not on what you don’t |
| children is to give them a foundation for | | | | |
| becoming a happy and healthy adult. Self-care | | | | If children aren't being appreciated and |
| should not be a luxury for parents—it | | | | aren't getting attention for what they do |
| needs to become a necessity. You need | | | | well—and when they behave |
| self-care both for being a good parent and a | | | | well—you better believe they will learn |
| healthy and balanced human being. Far too | | | | to get attention for not behaving well. The |
| many children are living with parents who are | | | | more you notice what you like about what |
| stressed out and frankly, not at all fun to | | | | they're doing, the less likely they are to |
| be around. If you are repeatedly burning the | | | | morph into destructive little terrors and the |
| midnight oil, you may be on the brink of | | | | more likely you will inspire your child to |
| parent burnout—not a pleasant thing for | | | | repeat the good behaviors and achievements |
| you or your family to experience. | | | | you love. |
| | | | |
| Good Parenting Tip #2 – If | | | | Good Parenting Tip #6 – Give respect |
| married—put your marriage before your | | | | and expect it in return |
| kids! | | | | |
| | | | Don’t do anything to your child that |
| Most of us have heard of Generation X and | | | | you wouldn’t want your child to do to |
| Generation Y. But did you realize that | | | | you. The list of things you don’t want |
| Generation S—Generation | | | | to be doing includes: yelling, hitting, |
| Spoiled—is on the rise? Many children | | | | spitting, and put downs. There are far better |
| today are raised with an unhealthy sense of | | | | ways for you to handle conflict, stress and |
| entitlement because their parents have made | | | | common misbehaviors. Commit to learning these |
| them the center of the universe. With divorce | | | | “Ultimate Parenting” tools that |
| statistics still hovering around 50%, | | | | are based on mutual respect—not fear |
| children are far too often coping with | | | | based punishment that only teaches our kids |
| unhappy, failing marriages and divorce– | | | | to not get caught next time! |
| much worse for them than missing out on a | | | | |
| couple of toys or brand name jeans. Take a | | | | Good Parenting Tip #7 – A family that |
| stand and put some time into your marriage | | | | plays together stays together! |
| (like go on a date night)—for your | | | | |
| whole family’s sake! | | | | Have fun—play with your kids. Laughing, |
| | | | tickling, and enjoying one another’s |
| Good Parenting Tip #3 – Cherish your | | | | company is the foundation of a happy home. |
| children | | | | Having fun can go a long way towards |
| | | | preventing much of the needless conflict and |
| No matter what your situation—no matter | | | | behaviors that drive you crazy. It also |
| how often your children drive you | | | | provides your family with much needed quality |
| crazy—know there are thousands of | | | | time. |
| people in this world who would gladly trade | | | | |
| places with you. There are couples who would | | | | These seven effective parenting tips above |
| give anything to just have a child. Strive to | | | | are child-proofed, effective and fun. By |
| remember how truly fortunate you are. Hug | | | | taking the time to learn how to bring out the |
| your children at least three times a day. | | | | best in you and in your children, you will |
| Regularly tell them how grateful you are to | | | | reap the rewards that come from the peace of |
| have the opportunity to be their parent. | | | | mind—knowing that you did all you could |
| | | | to support and nurture a happy and healthy |
| Good Parenting Tip #4 – Teach your kids | | | | family life. |
| to fish—don’t fish for them! | | | | |