Parenting Advice And Tips

We've assembled our all-time favourite nuggets of advice from our board of advisors in one excellent article which will have a profound impact on your entire family.

Trust Yourself

Give yourself a break. Hitting the drive-through when you're too tired to cook doesn't make you a bad parent. Trust your mom gut. No one knows your child better than you. Follow your instincts when it comes to his health and well-being. If you believe something's incorrect, odds are you're right. Simply say No. Fight the desire to accept extra obligations in the office or become the Volunteer Queen in your child's college. You may never, ever regret spending more time with your children. Don't accept disrespect from your child.
Never allow her to be rude or say hurtful things to you or anybody else. If she does, tell her firmly that you won't tolerate any form of disrespect. Walk along your strategy. Mobilize the other caregivers in your kid 's lifetime -- your spouse, grandparents, daycare worker, babysitter -- to help reinforce the values and the behavior that you would like to instill. This includes everything from saying thank you personally and being kind to never whining.

Boost Brainpower & Physical Activity

Teach your baby to sign. Just because a child can't talk doesn't mean that there isn't lots she'd like to say. Simple signs can allow you to understand what she desires and even how she feels well before she's the voice to inform you -- a great way to reduce frustration. Keep the tube in your family room. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that children with a TV in their bedroom weigh more, sleep less, and have lower levels and poorer social skills. P.S. toddlers using a tv in their bedroom have sex less frequently. Get kids moving. The most recent study shows that brain development in young children may be linked to their own activity level. Place your baby on her belly many times during the day, let your toddler walk instead of ride in her stroller, and create opportunities for the older child to get loads of exercise.

Be a Fantastic Role Model

Be the role model your kids deserve. Children learn by watching their parents. Modeling appropriate, respectful, excellent behavior works much better than telling them what to do. Fess up when you blow it. Here is the best way to show your child how and when she should apologize. Live a bit greener. Show your kids how simple it's to care for the environment. Waste less, recycle, recycle, and conserve each day. Spend a day picking up trash around the neighborhood. Always tell the truth. It's the way you want your child to act, right? Kiss and hug your spouse before the children. Your marriage is the only example your kid has of what an intimate relationship looks, feels, and sounds like. So it's your job to set a great standard. Respect parenting differences. Encourage your spouse's basic way of raising kids -- unless it's way out of line. Criticizing or arguing with your spouse will do more harm to your union and your kid 's feeling of security than if you accept standards that are different from your own.

Know the Best Ways to Praise

Give proper praise. Instead of merely saying, You're great, attempt to be specific about what your child did to deserve the positive feedback. You might say, Waiting until I was away from the phone to request biscuits was hard, and I really enjoyed your patience. Cheer the good stuff. When you notice your child doing something helpful or nice, let him understand how you're feeling. It's a great way to reinforce good behavior so he's more likely to continue doing it. Gossip about your children. Truth: What we overhear is a lot more potent than that which we're told right. Make praise more effective by letting your kid catch you whispering a compliment about him to Grandma, Dad, or his teddy.