Title: Things Good Parents Should Know
Category: Positive Parenting
We live in a world today different from any in the past.
Slick Madison Avenue advertising and increasing peer pressures make
parenting today uniquely challenging. I sincerely believe, however, that the
same old-fashioned methods that were good in the past, still are.
The number one necessity in good parenting is to be a good model.
By that I mean to be honest with your kids and not expect more of them
than they see in you. We as parents
must practice the golden rule if we want our kids to grow up caring for their
neighbors. If we are patriotic,
hard working and church going, our kids will likely be too.
If we dedicate our lives to loving and helping others instead of just
striving for material things, our kids will more easily find a calling that
suits their hearts and talents. Thus,
the better we model (live our own lives), the better we parent.
Just modeling is not enough though.
We must commit ourselves to spend time with our kids and tell them and
show them daily that we love them. The
greatest gift we can give our children is to love our spouse.
By doing this we teach them first hand how to love.
We should also tell our family regularly the vital words: "I love
you". A child will grow up
secure in such a home and enjoy loving and relating to other people.
So good modeling and showing love and affection are important in wise
parenting. Also vital is a home
with strict but fair and consistent discipline.
Mom and Dad must agree on the form and stick to it.
I prefer "time outs" to their room or loss of a privilege.
Others believe in a quick swat. Whatever
is used should be appropriate and consistent with each child.
A child without discipline is insecure and knows no limits in behavior.
What other good parenting skills can we practice?
There are certainly thousands and we learn most from having had good
parents ourselves. A few more
parenting skills and family habits that I particularly like include praying
together each night at bedtime and attending church together as a family.
I also like to see families play together on weekends, special occasions
and vacations. It's sad to see
parents plan out a summer totally away from their kids. Meals together are special opportunities to foster strong
family ties. It's a great time to
teach listening skills and sharing of each family member's thoughts, hopes and
dreams.
If there is one last parenting skill I strongly recommend it is the act
of praise whenever possible. The
more we praise our kids the more they'll strive to make of themselves.
A child without praise is like a poor whipped puppy.
Notice your child's unique God given talents and foster them with regular
praise.