|
Be a Better Parent by Using These Great Strategies Thousands of parents go to bed every night frustrated with their children's behavior. They are fed up with the attitude and disrespect they receive, but they don't know how it got that way or how to make it better. The good news is parents can make a positive change almost immediately! You just need the right tools and Be a Better Parent is a great place to start. Using these basic tips will get you well on your way to having a peaceful and happy household.
Tip #1: Pay attention. Carve out time to give your preschooler your undivided attention. That does wonders for your child's self-worth because it sends the message that you think he's important and valuable. It doesn't have to take a lot of time; it just means taking a moment to stop flicking through the mail if he's trying to talk with you or turning off the TV long enough to answer a question. Make eye contact so it's clear that you're really listening to what he's saying. When you're strapped for time, let your child know it without ignoring his needs. Say, "Tell me all about the picture you drew, and then when you're finished, I'll need to make our dinner." Tip #2: Teach limits. Establish a few reasonable rules for your child. For instance, if you tell your child he has to eat his snack in the kitchen, don't let him wander around the family room with his crackers and fruit the next day. Or if you tell him to put his dirty clothes in the laundry basket, don't say it's okay to pile them on the floor. Knowing that certain family rules are set in stone will help him feel more secure. It may take constant repetition on your part, but he'll start to live by your expectations soon enough. Just be clear and consistent and show him that you trust him to do the right thing and you will be a better parent. Tip #3: In most people’s lives, they have experienced a combination of successes and failures. Many people can easily list all of their shortcomings…but have to think for a long time to remember their successes! When faced with a challenge, children who lack SELF-CONFIDENCE tend to focus on the failures rather than the victories! A good way to boost your child's SELF-CONFIDENCE is to create a VICTORY LIST! Try sitting down and listing all the victories, small and large, that you have experienced. Don’t hesitate to think back to high school, or even elementary school. Update your list periodically. When faced with a challenging situation, get out your VICTORY LIST, and, as you review your very best moments, you will feel your SELF-CONFIDENCE being TURBO-CHARGED! Tip #4: Celebrate the positive. Everyone responds well to encouragement, so make an effort to acknowledge the good things your child does every day within his earshot. For instance, tell his dad, "Joshua washed all the vegetables for dinner." He'll get to bask in the glow of your praise and his dad's heartening response. And be specific. Instead of saying "Good job," say, "Thank you for waiting so patiently in line." This will enhance his sense of accomplishment and self-worth and let him know exactly what he did right. Just click the image below (or this link) to learn even more ways to Be a Better Parent. This e-book has easy to read step by step ideas that you can implement today!
Copyright © 2008 BeBetterParent.com |
