Parenting
Here are 3 basic parenting styles:
Giving orders - Giving in - Giving Choices
Giving choices democratically, with limits shows
respect for your kids. Give them some decisions
to make on their own. Allow their input to some
family decisions. Giving choices increases
responsibility. For example, 'Please eat at the
table, or you'll need to vacumn the floor. You
decide'.
Expectations can be lived up to or lived down to.
Expect cooperation. Be inviting, 'Please come
help me with dinner. I'd like to hear more about
your project.'
Show respect. Talk to your kids as you would a friend.
Have fun together. Smile, laugh, set aside special
time to have fun each day. Give lots of encouragement
Cut out the 'NO's'. Show love. Say I love you, give
hugs, speak and act with respect.
Encouragement is a skill to build self-esteem. We all
need it like a plant needs water. We will feel
accepted, capable and loved when we are en-couraged.
Having courage to make an effort to cooperate to do
new things and to be responsible.
Love, accept, notice improvements, appreciate and
have faith in your kids.
Encourage yourself. Give yourself patience. Learning
is like the ocean tide. Falling back is discouraging.
Each time you move forward, you are ahead of where
you were. Use positive self talk. I spoke calmly.
I listened emphathically. I love myself. I keep
myself healthy. I am capable. I am their role model.