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What do you do when your child is
pressuring you for something that conflicts with your principles as
a parent? Do you: (A) look around at what other parents are doing;
(B) weigh your child's grades and other performance attributes
against your principles; or (C) stand up for what you really believe
in? You'll probably take your lumps if you answer C, but there is no
better way to raise your child.
The focus increasingly is on grades, test scores and awards, and not
on the child -- the whole child -- and how he or she is developing,
learning and making decisions.
1. Define your principles. Become familiar with your own beliefs,
clarify them and learn to communicate them to your child. Your
children need to hear what you believe, loud and clear.
2. Understand your job as a parent. We earn our children's love by
first earning their respect. We can be friendly with our children,
but we need to understand that we are not their friends -- a mistake
many parents make.
3. Don't look only at your child's external accomplishments. Talk to
your child about what's happening on a deeper level, such as stress,
fears, attitude, relationships, anxiety, sexuality, friends and
teachers.
For more information, go to greatparenting101.com, or contact
parenting experts Malcolm and Laura Gauld and the Hyde Schools. Call
312-315-6011.
Thanks to the parents and grandparents who contributed a kid tip
this week. This week, please send in your favorite kitchen tip.
WHEN TEEN NEEDS AN EXTRA BOOST
When I feel that my daughter needs an extra boost emotionally, I buy
flowers for her and write her a card reminding her how special she
is to me and what a beautiful soul she is. -- Terry D., Hayward,
Calif.
PICKLE JUICE FOR PACIFIER
If your child is too old for a pacifier but won't give it up, dip it
in pickle juice. The unpleasant taste will work wonders almost
immediately. -- J.L., Springfield, Mass.
STOCK UP ON BIRTHDAY PRESENTS
Instead of buying one present for a party your preschooler is
invited to, buy two or three. Children this age will be invited to
many parties during the next two years. This way, you won't have to
run to the store at the last moment for a present. -- K. Glazar,
Dallas
TEARS AT DAY CARE
Starting a new day care is a tough transition for a child and a
trying time for parents. My preschooler cried and clamped on to my
leg like Velcro each morning as I dropped her off at her new day
care. This went on for two weeks, with no end in sight until we
started "The Sticker Contest." My daughter picked out a package of
stickers at the store, and then I drew a large happy face and an
outline where five stickers could be placed on a small poster board.
I told my daughter that she could place one sticker on the board for
each morning that she didn't cry. She could have a special treat
(one that we mutually agreed on) when five stickers were on the
board. It took her only six mornings to earn her treat. This simple
game helped to break her habit of crying in the morning. -- Thomas
L., San Diego
STAIN-FIGHTING FORMULA
This recipe works great on baby bibs and clothes to get out those
formula, medicine, burp and dirt stains that go with having
children. Use 1 gallon hot tap water, 1 cup Cascade and 1/4 cup
bleach. Soak clothes for 30 minutes, and then launder as usual.
Check fabric for colorfastness. -- Barbara C., Fremont, Calif.
(c) 2010 by Tom McMahon
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc. |
