5 Tips to Great Parenting

What are children going through?
They psychologically experience more stress. For example:
1. Bullying
2. Increased sexual desires, but they can't use them
3. Drugs/Alcohol
4. So many other factors: body image, school, work, family problems, friend problems, etc.

It's no wonder children are so hard to understand. They have so much that is being thrown upon them, and they have so many choices to make! It's crazy but 500,000 children attempt suicide every year!

So, how can we help our children and teens out? Many times it seems that they don't listen to what we (as parents) have to say, so how can we get them to open up? What skills of parenting can we use to teach them?

I have created a list of five things that I think are important for all parents to use:

1. More important than talking and lecturing, is listening and allowing them to teach themselves. When parents actively listen to their children, (note the word active, meaning a conscious effort) they can better assess the problem by addressing their needs and not all of their failures.

2. Encouragement leads to greater growth in children. Children have a great need to feel that they are important and that they belong. We need to take time to focus on their good achievements, and their good intentions (even when their good intentions do not produce the best results)

3. Allow children to have a part in the problem prevention discussions. For example, when we establish rules for our children, we need to hear their opinions and sit down with them.

4. We need to allow them to assume responsibility. Giving children tasks and allowing them to take responsibility for their actions is an important and vital step for their progression. We must never yell or degrade them when they do what is wrong, yet we must not act as "doormats" and do nothing when they do not follow through.

5. Mutual respect is something important for children to learn. Mutual respect occurs through proper communication. Remember you cannot not communicate. Good communication is fostered through love, interest, and trust.