What are the ABC’s of Parenting?
- Appetite-Giving the child good nutrition.
- Bed-Making sure the child is getting enough rest.
- Comfort-Give the child hugs and praise.
How do you show your child love?
A. 12 hugs a day.
B. Tell them how proud you are of them.
C. Don’t forget to do this for your teenager too.
D. The worst part of the day for many families is around dinner time. Children are over-tired and hungry, and if parents work, it is a stressful time
because there is dinner to start, laundry, etc. Try giving your child attention for a few
minutes before you even change your clothes. Get down on the floor and hug them
and talk about their day. This will only take a few minutes and then they will allow
you to do what you need to do. Another important time is the before bed routine
with more talking in a quiet room and reading books.
How do you get your child to sleep through the night?
- From the beginning, place the child in bed awake for nap and bedtime.
- Let them quiet themselves to sleep. Let their surroundings or blanket, etc. be their transitional object-not you or the bottle.
- Continue naps until after Kindergarten even if it’s only on the weekends. Children are not being required to get enough sleep and it makes them very crabby. Also, children grow during sleep.
- If you have not established a bedtime routine (with books) it is not too late to start. If you let the child cry 3 nights in a row and don’t give in, the child will start to put himself to sleep. Never let the child take the bottle to bed. Give them positive reinforcement in the morning for putting themselves to sleep.
How do you get your child to eat healthy foods?
- Minimum of 16 oz. of milk per day.
- Limit juice to 8 oz. per day.
- If the child doesn’t eat meals well, cut back on snacks.
- Give three meals and two snacks each day.
- Teenagers: encourage 24 oz. of milk per day. Limit pop to one 12 oz. serving a day.
- Don’t allow your child to eat the same food every day. Keep offering a variety. If you don’t give in to your child’s demands for the same food, the child will begin to eat a wider variety of those offered. (This is more of a control issue.)
- When your child is tired and hungry and whining, give him/her a bowl of fruit or yogurt while you make dinner.
- Your child will eventually develop your eating habits so make sure you eat a healthy well-balanced diet.
How do you get your child to be good?
- From the beginning ignore tantrums. A child may be allowed to show anger without punishment but don’t give in to a tantrum.
- Be consistent in your discipline. Discuss punishment with family members and caregivers.
- Don’t spank or hit the child’s hands. This increases aggressive behaviors and teaches the child that if you’re bigger and stronger, it’s okay to hit.
- Use time-out in the corner or port-a-crib. Don’t use the highchair or crib for time-out. Time-out starts when the child is quiet. One minute for each year of age is appropriate. Once instituted-follow through. It is a child’s job to test you and your job to discipline. Children want and need discipline.
- Remember to use time-in several times a day. Give praise and hugs for good behavior, getting along with siblings and others. Praise a child if he/she does a "good time-out."
- If you are angry and out of control, walk away. If that isn’t enough, call someone and tell them what you are considering doing to the child. Don’t be afraid to call for help. Never shake a baby.
- Positive reinforcement or time-in is very important. Be sure to tell the child how proud you are of the child’s good behavior. For example, if your child does successfully sleep through the night, brag to dad or grandparents.
- Avoid such words as "bad girl" or "naughty boy". Instead say "I don’t like it when you __________." Then, if needed, follow through with a time-out.
- Give two positive reinforcements for every time-out.
How do you get your child to listen to you?
- Turn off the car radio and talk to your child instead.
- Have meals together.
- Turn off the television.
- Have quiet time together each evening. Make it part of the bedtime routine.
- Listen to your child/teenager.
- Insist on time together with your teenager. Go out to dinner.
- Give teenagers choices but also consequences for inappropriate behaviors.
- Remember to positively reinforce your teen for appropriate behavior and choices. Also, let them hear you praise them to others.
How do you get your child to read?
- Read to your child each evening?
- Decrease TV/video/computer/etc. time to no more than two hours per day.
- Clip articles for teens and discuss or watch movies together.
- Monitor TV viewing.
How do you get your child to smile?
- Don’t forget your sense of humor.
- Giggle with your child.
- Get down on the floor and wrestle or tickle.
How do you get your child to cooperate?
- Teach the rules: no biting/hitting/throwing and use automatic time-out.
- Positively reinforce good behavior.
- Ignore whining and tantrums.
- If your child hears you say "He hates vegetables" he/she will probably never eat vegetables. If the child hears "He hates to have his ears looked at" he/she probably won’t cooperate for the doctor. Instead try "He loves for you to look for Barney in his ears." It is amazing how this works.
- Also, tell your child where they are going, i.e. doctor, dentist, grandma’s and what to expect. No surprises! Read them books about these adventures. Don’t keep the fact that they might get a shot or a finger poke from the child. They will trust you more next time.
How do you get your child to be a good example?
- Model the behaviors you expect from your child.
- Eat your vegetables.
- Use your manners.
- Go to your doctor/dentist without complaining. Visit your parents and grandparents.
Remember: it is important for you to have time alone with your spouse in the evening. Don’t forget to go out on "dates" (no children) now and then.
