Parenting Tips

*Be a “5 to 1” parent:  Every time you give your child a consequence for misbehavior, provide 5 opportunities for him or her to earn praise or a reward. 

*When you are happy with your child, say a lot.  When you are unhappy, say little.  Talking too much when you are upset makes it more likely that you may say something you don’t mean to say.

 *Love for young children is taught through physical contact.  When you’re within reach—reach out.

 *Seek to understand your child at least as much as you try to make yourself understood.

 *Never verbally put down your child.  There is a difference between correcting your child and attacking your child.

 *You can criticize a child’s behavior, but never criticize the child.

 *When something has upset a child, having each parent give 50 additional touches a day is a good form of “medicine”.

 *Things aren’t always the best reward for your child. Hugs, pats on the head, and high-fives are usually much better. Your children need your presence more than they need your presents.

 *Second and third-hand compliments are more powerful than first-hand compliments.  Second-hand:  Mom telling the child, “Daddy said you were a good boy today.”  Third-hand:  Dad tells Mom how good their daughter was and lets the daughter overhear him.

 *The language of children is behavior.

Understanding Behavior: A Key To Discipline | 101 Ways to Praise a Child | Parenting Tips | Understanding Values | Financial Resources | Shaken Baby Syndrome

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