Your most successful parenting tip?

[Got Eternal Life?]

As a parent, sitter, teacher, etc. what is one tip would you give to a parent?

 

[faith177]

say what you mean, mean what you say

lots of love, consistency, focus on what they should be doing not what they shouldnt be doing. ex- stop running- change to I need you to walk in the house, stop jumping on the couch- to couches are for sitting, ect.....

and my favorite and hardest is notice when they are doing good, it is so easy to notice the bad. praise them for the behavior you want from them

 

[LegacyOfLove]

First - everything you do and say should be backed with love.

Second - keep your sense of humor! (It will bring you through the roughest of times if you can manage to laugh at things...especially the minor disasters that kids sometimes get themselves into).

Third - Treat your children as you would want to be treated if you were the child! (Always be mindful of the impact you make on them by the words you say and your actions).

Fourth - Let them know that from an early age on that you will never stop loving them and being there for them. Yes, even when they make decisions that you are not proud of, let them know that you love THEM....no matter what and will always be there for them. (When kids know this from the beginning, they are much more inclined, in my opinion, to talk to you and trust you....because no matter what consequences they may face for their actions...at least they will know with 100% certainty that you're not going to abandon them....quite like the way that God never forsakes us, no matter what we do.)

 

[bliz]

Love your kids! It is impossible to love them too much!

But you have to express that love to them in ways that are meaningful to that child. So you have to study your child and get to know them and how their brain works so that you can show them you love them in a language they can understand.

 

[Gwenyfur]

I just have one...the others have all been covered already....



Don't Panic!!!!

 

[Zoomer]

Make sure that you discipline consistently.
Be a good example, since that is the best teacher.
Do everything in love.

 

[okiemommy26]

Mine is spending as much time as you can with them when they are little they grow up too fast. Also spend as much time as you can with them when they are in school too. Do things together as a family.

 

[Katydid]

flexible routine

helps you keep your sanity and lessens arguing from the kids.

 

[jenelis]

My best parenting tip ever came from a non-parent and I think of it often.

She told me that my daughter and I have different priorities. Whatever is most important to me at the moment (e.g. we need to be in the car driving to school because we're late) is not going to be the same for my daughter (who may be busy tucking her baby into her play baby crib) and to recognize that. I think of this often when I want something done and she's doing something different.

And the funny thing is, that this applies to relationships too!

 

[lucypevensie]

My favorite tip is a section of scripture

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 NIV

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
(emphasis mine)

Make God the number 1 priority in your family. That is my favorite piece of advice.

 

[CarrieAg93]

Remember that every child is different and what works for one may totally flop with another.

 

[RedTulipMom]

Be consistent in whatever form of discipline you choose.

Don't allow back talk, its disrespectful.

Don't give them everything they want or they will become spoiled brats.

Teach them the value of work.

Show them how to give to others generously and not be selfish.

Teach them to share.

If you say something mean it and follow through.

karen

 

[Kelly]

Be constitant in your expectations and punishments. Never 'give in' or give them an easy out as it will be exploited. My 5 yo daughter actually said, when not wanting to eat her dinner of chicken and brocolli, "but I'm crying...if you want me to stop let me get up from the table!"

 

[LynnMcG]

Breathe!! And then breathe again! And remember, no matter what happens - YOU'RE still in charge.

 

[Jenna]

- Teach them about God

-If you ever find yourself in over your head, tired, stressed, and about to snap: remove yourself from the situation. It is better to hide in the bathroom and cry like a colicy baby than to do something foolish and possibly harm your child.

-Read your bible. The best parenting tips are in there. God says what are important traits for parents, and for children. It's good to know.

 

[BornAgainBanana]

Choose your battles wisely. In the scheme of things is wearing pink flowery sandles to church with your winter tights really so much of an issue??

 

[ScarletRubies]

LOL @ B.A.Banana!!!

I don't know that I'm qualified to give tips - I've successfully raised one beautiful child to the grand age of 14 months.

My number one tip? Do it with two parents, and a fleet of friends... some days, it is the closest thing to heaaven when your spouse can give you a bit of space.

My second "number one" tip? Try keep eternity conscious - you can't take your car/boat/house/jet skis/insert-any-other-item-here to heaven with you, but you can make a real difference in the salvation of your children (and their freinds, and their parents, and their neighbours, and their families.... wow! what a mission field - a white for the harvest!!!)

Cheers,
Ruby

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Paid in full]

Don't try and live through your children!

 

[Andy Broadley]

Stay at least two or three moves ahead of them, especially if you have a large family, or they'll eat you alive