Parenting
Friday, July 3, 2009
4 ways to be a better parent
editor
I've read several columns
in the past few days from
parents resolving to be
better parents in
the New Year. Being a mom or dad is one of the
toughest gigs. Ever. And even that is an understatement. But I
think every parent has many moments where they think, "I know
I can do better."
I, too, am like those other columnists who are resolving to be a
better parent in 2009. I'm forever a rookie parent, learning
the ropes as I go with my two young boys. (I still can't
believe I have a seven-year-old kid.)
Here are four ways that I think we can all be better
parents...let's call this list the "4 L's."
Chances are you've probably heard or read about all of these
things before, but they are easy to forget in the heat of parenting
moments. If you can remember to do one of these a day, you'll
realize how simple yet powerful these tips are for you and your
kids.
- Lighten up. It's pretty easy to get into
that cranky rut when your kids are running around and you know they
know they shouldn't be playing tag in the house or tossing
baseballs around in their bedroom. Or your teenager is listening to
Motley Crue's "Shout at the Devil" for the 1,000th
time at top volume. (Sorry, momentary personal flashback). Before
you get angry, before you utter a sentence that begins with,
"Stop," "No," "Don't,"
"Can't," take a deep breath, take in the moment, and
lighten up. Take the game of tag outside and join in the
fun. Ask your kid to turn the tunes down a notch with a dose of
humor. You're always a parent, but it doesn't have to be
chore.
- Let it go. The laundry, the dishes, the
vacuuming. Unless you're living amongst dust donkeys
under a pit of dishes, let something go. Repeat after me. Let. It.
Go. When your kids ask you for help or to do a puzzle,
instead of saying "Just a sec, I need to
clean the [insert household activity]," go hang out with them.
Put away the BlackBerry at the park. Close the laptop in the
kitchen. You'll always have household chores and work to do,
but how many amazing moments will you choose to miss because of
them?
- Listen. This is the tough one. Instead of
preparing your monologue about how much trouble your kid is in,
listen to him. Truly listen. Also? Listen to your
little kids playing in another room and be amazed when they create
imaginary worlds. Listen to your kids and their friends when
you're driving on field trips or they're at your house
hanging out. Listen to the chatter between siblings before they go
to sleep. You will find yourself smiling and smirking with their
banter.
- Laugh. Often. Laughter is contagious. Use it
to your advantage.
My wise Shine parents, what would you add to this
list?
Related: tips to better parenting, resolutions, parenting
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Posted by js Thu Jan 8, 2009 8:18am PST
these are great! that's my resolution this year is to be a better parent. reading this helps!
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Posted by berebasilio Thu Jan 8, 2009 10:33am PST
I really enjoy the tips on becoming a better parent. It always a good idea to hear other people tips that can be beneficial on becoming a better parent. Thank you so much for the tips I really enjoy it. God bless all of you that make this websites so interesting.
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Posted by Katie W Fri Jan 9, 2009 3:45am PST
I totally agree with the 4Ls. I do believe a major problem with a lot of 'us' parents is we do too much for the children and do not teach or expect them to help. This will create a very lazy adult that has no work ethic and believes the world revolves around them. The amount of sports activities, no chores, no responsibilities, no character building. What kind of people are we creating?
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Posted by Jill Fri Jan 9, 2009 9:32am PST
I whole heartedly agree with this. I only have one child and he's only 4 months old but I will remember all of these tips as he gets older. I know from watching my brother and his wife, and my sister-in-law that I have already vowed not to do certain things. And I realize its easier to sit back and judge when I haven't experienced what they are experiencing, but I think these tips would serve them well.
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Posted by rabinojudith@... Fri Jan 9, 2009 7:52pm PST
i agree. usually busy single mom have too much time thingking how will they be able to survive financially without noticing their kids need more time too on their growing age. remember every stages you missed in your growing kids is diffrent.Enjoy new things on what you can see on their life's milestones. That way you also appriciate on what God has given gift of life to you...
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Posted by Michael Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:46pm PST
Wake up people and stop with the excuses... If your now a parent, step up to the plate and hit a home run by asking yourself each morning you wake up one simple question " What kind of example am I setting for this child to see, period. " Answer it honestly and deliver the best possible example you can.
You have just hit the home run of your life.
Writer, Philosopher
Michael J
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Posted by redmolly1@... Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:17pm PST
One more from a veteran: let them make mistakes and learn from them. All the lecturing in the world can't compete with a single hard-won insight. It's painful to watch but you can't figure life out for them any more than you can get 8 hours of sleep for them.
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Posted by redmolly1@... Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:19pm PST
One more from a veteran: let them make mistakes and learn from them. All the lecturing in the world can't compete with a single hard-won insight. It's painful to watch but you can't figure life out for them any more than you can get 8 hours of sleep for them.
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Posted by Karen Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:19pm PST
I agree with the article.........wake up each morning and be thankful for the beautiful children god has given us......listen to them and again thank god for the love, laughter, joy and precious moments to share with them each day. They grow soooo fast. Cherish each day you have with them. :)
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