1. Tell your child that you love them EVERY day. 2. Show your child that you love them EVERY day with lots of hugs, kind words and physical attention. 3. Show interest in what your child is learning. 4. Let your child teach you. 5. Avoid comparing your child to others. 6. Encourage your child to read to you. 7. Develop a consistent and effective discipline plan. 8. Bring a solution as well as a problem. 9. Children must learn to feel good about themselves and believe they can succeed, and you must also allow your child to fail. 10. Teach them the value of money. 11. Show them you are the parent (not the friend). 12. Pick and choose your conflicts. 13. Have lots of quick conversations (travelling to school, to the shops, at bedtime). 14. Teach them to value time (let them see you reading, being creative, gardening etc. 15. When you make a promise, be sure to follow it through. 16. Allow them to think for themselves. 17. Model what it is to communicate openly, honestly and with respect. 18. Praise your childs kindness to others. 19. Read bedtime stories as often as possible. 20. Get physical with your child (hug, tickle, hold hands) 21. On occasions put yourself in the childs shoes think as they may think, feel as they may feel, see the world through their eyes. 22. Let dinner times be a time for catching up on the days events. 23. Be aware of your childs feelings and limitations. 24. Let them know they can go to you when in search of comfort. 25. Just spend time with your children, allowing them to be themselves. 26. Encourage their enthusiasm. 27. Teach your children about their heritage in fun and exciting ways, such as dressing up, cooking, dancing, listening to music. 28. All pitch in A child is never too young to learn that team effort makes many jobs easier and faster and often more fun. 29. We all make mistakes, learn to tell your child Im sorry this way they will grow to admit their own mistakes. 30. Tell them thats enough noise, television, playing, arguing, sweets, etc. 31. Discuss sex and sexuality in age appropriate terms with your child. 32. Its important to encourage in children a sense of pride in them self 33. Children are our future when we teach them well they will be the leaders of their life. 34. Remember to fit the method of discipline to the childs age and abilities. 35. If verbal communication fails, write a note (this can open doors). 36. Get to know your childs friends. 37. Ask your child where they are going and who with. 38. Be a good listener ask and encourage questions. 39. Include your child in family decisions. 40. Be a living example of your value system. Show the honesty, generosity and openness you want your child to have. 41. Examine your own behaviour. 42. Catch your child doing things right. 43. Listen to your gut instincts. 44. Take care of yourself and your needs so you are better prepared to take care of the needs of your child. 45. Let your child take responsibility for their own actions. 46. Take care of the every day essential things - Young children need nutritious food, enough sleep, safe places to play, and regular medical care. 47. Discuss your expectations with your child. They may not agree, but they need to know what is expected of them. 48. Remember, making mistakes is part of the learning process - don't criticise. 49. Make the home as happy a place as it can be. 50. Make your own list, adding to this, of how you can be the best parent you can. |
