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Four Tips for Improved Parenting
July 27th, 2010 by admin
Today’s parents are busy. Some days seem to never end and then it’s right back to the same routine tomorrow. But what if tomorrow was slightly improved by simple changes you can make in your daily routine?
Below you will find four tips for improved parenting, a simpler life, and no need for an Indianapolis family therapist:
Tip One: Routine
Although routine can be tedious and boring, you need it. You may already have it given that your children need to be at school on time and you need to be at work, so make it your friend. Instead of thinking of routine as tedious and boring, think of it as the thing that keeps your children from sleeping too late or not getting their homework done. If you don’t have a routine, create one. Help your children wake up on time, eat breakfast, and be prepared for school. Eat dinner at the same time each night and make sure your children know when they need to shower or take a bath. Set up specific time for homework and help your children if needed. Consistency should be one of your best friends. It will help you manage your day and will keep your children under control.
Tip Two: Make Car Time Quality Time
Use the time in the car to talk to your children. Find out how their day went and be interested in their school activities. Attempt to stay off your phone and pay attention to your children. Ask them to put away their video games and resist playing a movie in the dvd player. Use this time to bond with your children. Share your joys and frustrations with your children and have them share theirs.
Tip Three: Meal Preparation
Involve your children in planning meals. Allow them to pick meals they would like to eat once a week and then invite them to cook with you. You can also plan special meals or nights out during the week at your children’s request. Make sure you eat dinner at the table with no television at least once a week. This is quality time that your children need and probably want if you aren’t already doing this. Also, have your children help you make their lunch for the next day and teach them about healthy choices as you do this. As a parent, you are one of the most influential people in your child’s life. Take advantage of this position.
Tip Four: Play Together
When your children go outside to play, go with them. Take a bike ride or color with sidewalk chalk. Ask them what they would like to do and then join them. Play a game of football or soccer in the back yard. Involving the neighbors is a great way to meet new families and develop support from other adults.
You’ll notice that each of these tips is related to activities you already do, like drive in your car and cook dinner. Adding your children to the mix may seem like it will complicate your activity, however, your children will appreciate being included and spending quality time with you. When your children feel supported and loved, they behave better, and what parent doesn’t love that?