10 Simple Parenting Tips
1. Talk to other parents
Raising children is challenging, especially if you’ve never been through a tough stage before. I have often wondered if there was something wrong with my kids….until I have spoken with other parents who have children who are older than mine. Swapping stories with other parents has been the most comforting thing I’ve done as a mom.
2. Don’t compare your children with other people’s kids (or to their siblings)
Each child’s strengths and weaknesses are unique. In the end, it doesn’t matter who weighs more (or less), who walked first, who learned to read first. Most of the time, differences even out over time. And the others just make life fun.
3. Maintain a hobby
For me, it was photography. I’m not the world’s greatest photographer, but my hobby has given me a creative outlet as well as a venue for stretching myself and continuing to learn.
4. Talk in the car
They can’t escape. There’s nowhere else they can go. Use that opportunity to start a conversation. Get to know your kids--what they like and what they don't. Get them used to talking with you so that they will turn to you when the important things come up.
5. Cook with your kids
We love cooking together. Not only is it a great education (imagine what my kids will be able to cook when they go to college if they are cooking scrambled eggs at 5!) but it is wonderful to work together. And it feels great to wake up on Mother’s Day to a tray of homemade breakfast.
6. Ditch the cable
Probably one of the best decisions we’ve made. We own a TV, VCR, and DVD player and lots of movies. We are not living in the stone ages. We just have a lot more control over what and how much they watch. Plus, it saves money!
7. Get to know their teachers
I haven’t always been able to volunteer in the classrooms (I try as much as possible to get in their classes regularly), but I have always tried to get to know their teachers personally. It has made a world of difference. Most teachers have and use e-mail for school. Use it! I’ve found that keeping the communication open between parents and teachers helps you stay on top of issues before they become problems.
8. Read with them, not just to them.
I love to read. I hope to pass that love on to my kids. While I love to read aloud with them, I love it even more when we take turns reading. It’s great practice for kids (even seasoned readers) to read out loud to others.
9. Remember that kids, as well as most adults, are more willing to work for people who respect them and speak kindly
I heard a quote once from a boy on a sports team, “I don’t play well for people who yell at me.” Lower your voice. Smile. Respect your kids and they will probably respect you a little more, too.
10. Have a sense of humor
Don’t take things too seriously. Sometimes you just have to laugh.
