Huron-Perth Centre - PARENTING TIPS: ABOUT PARENTING

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Raising children is probably the most joyful job you'll ever have, but also the toughest! Most of all, parenting takes love. But it also takes time, attention, patience, commitment, and skill.

Discipline with Love: Make sure children understand what the rules are and why following them is important. Be consistent - don't allow one day what you prohibit the next. Try to use a positive approach ("Try this") instead of a negative one ("Don't do that"). Never use physical discipline.

Teach Social Skills: Good manners, sharing, listening, and respecting others' needs, opinions and differences are all important to healthy development. Helping others can also make children feel good about themselves.

Encourage Independence: Children remember things better when they discover them on their own. Allow your children to try new things within reasonable guidelines for their age and experience.

Help Them Deal with Frustration: Teach your children that there is nothing wrong with emotions, but that screaming, hitting etc. are not the way to communicate. Encourage your children to talk about feelings instead.

Be a Good Role Model: If you show your love, so will they. If you respect the, they will respect you. If you have self-discipline, they'll learn it too. If you treat others courteously and fairly, so will they.

Communicate: Discuss experiences and feelings with your child. Be open, non-judgemental, and constructive in your responses. This will encourage your children to trust you with their fears, fantasies, plans and dreams. Explain your beliefs and why you establish rules for your child. When you and your children disagree, listen to their point of view.

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