Raise Great Kids With These Parenting Tips

I know life is hectic, but take time to play with your children. You don't have to play their favorite games every time you play, but make sure to balance what you like to do with what they like to do. It will show them compromise, which is an important thing for them to learn.

Time-outs can be an effective tool when trying to teach appropriate behavior, but don't start doling out this popular consequence without a plan. Stay consistent with the reasons for giving a time-out, avoid talking with your child while they are sitting in a time-out and then, finish off the process with a comment about something positive and you will see just how powerful a well-planned time-out can be.

Your child's love map will be created when he or she is still young, so if you're a single parent, it is important that you keep a stable and steady household. Allowing your child to see multiple lovers and sporadic, broken relationships will really affect the child in ways you cannot possibly imagine.

Hug your children and tell them you love them as often as possible. As cliche as it may sound, children feed off of both positive and negative vibes. Showing them how much you love them will make them feel good about themselves, whereas negative vibes will lower their self-confidence.

If you are thinking of divorcing your spouse, your child should be a big part of this picture. You need to speak with your children about this. The vast majority of parents are incredibly selfish here, dragging their kids through court and fighting over them, never asking the child what his or her needs are. Be the parents here and not the spoiled children.

When your child is misbehaving, try getting down on your knees to talk to them. This allows you to look at your child directly in the eyes, which makes the interaction more serious and uncomfortable for them. Talking to your child at the eye level can be much more effective than shouting from a standing position.

Be consistent in your discipline with your child. Having a strong tone one day and then a gentle tone the next isn't helping matters at all. But if you remain consistent your child will realize that he or she will be consistently chastised for stepping out of line. Send clear messages if you expect them to receive clear messages.

By using the above tips, you will create a more open flow of communication between you and your child. You will also learn how to more effectively use discipline with your child so he or she learns manners and respect. Remember, stay calm and evaluate each situation from your point of view and your child's! Be the best parent you can be!

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