FIVE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PARENTING

Spending time with your children is essential to successful parenting. One way to spend time with your children is to institute a “Family Game Night.” Another way to be a successful parent is to have a special day or activity such as “Parent -Child Day.” An outing to the library with just Mom or Dad is an opportunity to develop a positive relationship. Eating dinner together is a fundamental part of parenting that allows open communication between all family members.

Communication is at the core of being a successful parent. Asking children about school, friends, and extra-curricular activities lets your children know that you care about their life. Children will then feel comfortable discussing any peer issues with you. While communicating with your child you can also educate them about important issues, such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use.

Structure and consistency are the backbones of successful parenting. Parents should structure the day to include time for homework and leisure. Parents need to be consistent throughout the day, especially during meal and bed times. Following the 3 Bs--bath, book, bed will help children know what is expected at nighttime and therefore reduce the stresses of bedtime.

Corrective teaching gives a parent a plan when responding to a child’s unacceptable behavior. Corrective teaching helps put an end to the problem behavior. Parents should give a consequence so that children can make the connection between what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. Parents should describe and model the positive behavior. Praising helps to reinforce the acceptable behavior.

One of the most effect ways to change behavior is through praise. When using praise parents must remember that it must be immediate and include three parts: your approval, describing what the children did that you liked, and giving the reason you liked it. Describing what the children did helps the children understand exactly what behavior you liked. Giving a reason helps children understand why the behavior is helpful to themselves or others.