Parenting Resolution
Eva Macyszyn
• 2014-01-09 14:41:55
By Parenting Power
New
Year's resolutions are often made to be broken, but when it comes to parenting,
we can resolve to get even better any day of the year. Thankfully, our children
are with us day after day and we have lots of opportunity to move forward in a
positive manner by the time they leave home...if they leave home. Parenting
Power suggests the following as skills to be honed each day.
- Value Yourself. We want our
children to be proud of themselves and where do they learn their positive
or negative self-talk? From us of course. Take pride in what you do well
and go easy on yourself when things don't go as planned. Perfectionism is
contagious. Value Yourself.
- Create a
Code of Values. Take some time
(between 3:00 and 5:00 am?) to think about and create a list of characteristics
or values which are important to you and your family. Once you have determined
these values, share them with your children in age-appropriate language. Values
are not innate but they will be learned. If we don't teach our children values,
who will? Create a Code of Values.
- Parents Unite. We are all
busy but we must make the time to check in with our spouse or
co-caregiver. We need to know what behaviour is on the horizon and confirm
how we will deal with upcoming situations. If we don't our children will
learn that no means yes or maybe depending on the parent. Parents Unite.
-
Act don't
Yak (our daily mantra). What better way to
show our children that we can be trusted - we mean what we say. So often when
misbehaviour occurs, we are drawn into a lengthy interaction involving tears,
screaming etc. that postpones the inevitable consequence. We can save ourselves
a great deal of frustration (and our children a great deal of boredom) by
moving directly to the consequence. Act don't Yak!
Adding
even one of these resolutions to your parenting toolbox will enhance your
parenting and do wonderful things for your family. Good luck!
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Parenting Power is a family resource and education
company offering in-home workshops and individual coaching for families seeking
to create a more satisfying and productive relationship with their children.
For more information call 281.2524 or visit www.parentingpower.ca.