>> FOUR PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PARENTING

Building a strong parent/child bond takes time, but the strategies to reach this goal are quite simple:

Listen more, talk less. There’s a reason why we have two ears and just one mouth. When your children want to talk to you, drop whatever you’re doing (if possible) and concentrate on what they are saying. By listening, you will better understand your children’s view of the world, the issues of importance to them and problems they might be facing. Listening to your children with quiet enthusiasm is the best way to bring a parent/child relationship to a deeper lever.

Pick your battles. Don’t micromanage your children. This is especially relevant for children 11 and older. If you make an issue about every trivial thing, it will adversely affect your relationship with them. Save your strength and thunder for the issues of fundamental importance to you.

Set limits and establish family rules. Without parameters, children will eventually act out in inappropriate ways, exhibit behavior problems and maybe even get into trouble with the law. Don’t feel compelled to follow society’s trends. Discipline your children when needed.

Communicate your love. Tell your children every day that you love them.

Copyright 2004 by Tom McMahon