July 9, 2008

TT #69


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13 tips to being a good parent

1. Identify - There are times when a kid wants their parent to identify with them. For example, admit to making some of the same dumb mistakes. We are all human.

2. Be Patient - I know this is tough but definitely necessary.

3. Know your child's abilities - Dont push them unless you are sure they can accomplish the task. This can breed low self esteem if they can't live up to your expectations.

4. Try not to compare them to other children - It seems that one child always excels quicker than the other. Point out each childs good traits and skills, not the bad.

5. Listen - When a your child talks to you, look them in the eye so they know all your attention is on them.

6. Be their friend but be a parent - Its ok to cut up and be cool but they need to know you have rules and that you are the one in charge.

7. Children learn what they live - Do I need to explain this one?

8. Leave work at the office - I know as a single mother, Im really tired when I get home. It was hard to deal with the trials of two kids, especially when they were little. I suggest taking a deep cleansing breath, go to your room to change your clothes and defuse, then give your children the attention they need. Its amazing how 10 minutes of silence before dealing with issues can help the situation.

9. Be aware - know who they are hanging out with and what they are doing.

10. Do things as a family - even if its just sitting down to dinner each night. It gives them a sense of stability.

11. You're only human - let your kids know that. Parents arent perfect, we do make mistakes.

12. Show them love - let your love for them never be a doubt in their mind.

13. Enjoy your kids - they are different people was unique personalities. See them as children AND people.

20 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

Perfect, Lori. Dead on. I am seeing the wisdom of these things with each passing week. I see, too, that my daughter so very much wants me to know what's going on.

Karen said...

A great list! I think I'll bookmark this for future reference. Thanks for sharing! :)

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Again, another fantastic list.

I only wish I could leave work when I leave the office. *sigh* The trials and problems of being a writer. Still, we're finding ways to compromise.

Kristi said...

Thanks for this list....I've already printed it out. Happy T13

Michelle said...

Great list. I sure need all the advice I can get being a first time mommy. Thanks! Happy TT!

Meju said...

Great advice! So many people don't realize kids are people too.

Carol said...

There's some good advice on this list!

Jody W. and Meankitty said...

I'm pretty good at the listening but my GOODNESS, kid #1 never stops talking! Ever! It can be hard to balance my desire to listen and my desire to not go insane...

Happy TT!

Jody W.

misty said...

Great list. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog (Fellow metal head). Happy TT. Hope you have an excellent weekend.

Robin said...

Excellent advice for all parents - single or otherwise.

OGD Critic said...

Amen!

Great list.

Thanks for visiting, happy T13 to you!

storyteller said...

Your lists are always ‘spot on’ … and today’s is no exception. These are all wonderful, but #5 and 12 are special keys.
Hugs and blessings,

Janet said...

#8 is important in any circumstance. I need some downtime when I first get home from work, not so much now as I did when things were really sucking there!

And #9...oh, if my parents had ANY idea of what I was up to from 14-16...

Chelle Y. said...

I needed this list! I "failed" as a mom yesterday. It was such a trying day.

The Gal Herself said...

Love #4! I'm not a mom, but I am an aunt and it amazes me how often parents compare younger siblings to older ones. Very perceptive. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for visiting my TT.

Crazy Working Mom said...

Wonderful list...Patience is the main one, especially when they're young! :)

Great job, Lori.

Happy TT.

Nicole Austin said...

Great advice, especially #13. You have to enjoy them while they're still interested and before life takes them off on their own adventures.

Melanie said...

What a perfect list. Especially #12- they have to know we love them no matter what.

http://ourhappyhappenings.com

Unknown said...

great list. I learned so much from it. I think I should share with my friends who is seeking help @seeksingleparent.com. They must love it so much

Becki said...

So true!! 'Leaving work at work' is one I have a really hard time with, since I work from home. It's hard to balance my time between getting work done and paying attention to my darling girl.