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Top Tips for Parenting Children ages 2 - 12
Top Tips for Parenting Children ages 2 - 12
1. When your child wants to show you something, stop what you are doing and pay attention to your child. It is important to spend frequent, small amounts of time with your child doing things that you both enjoy.
2. Give your child lots of physical affection – children often like hugs, cuddles, and holding hands.
3. Talk to your child about things he/she is interested in and share aspects of your day with your child.
4. Give your child lots of descriptive praise when they do something that you would like to see more of, e.g., “Thank you for doing what I asked straight away”.
5. Children are more likely to misbehave when they are bored so provide lots of engaging indoor and outdoor activities for your child, e.g., play dough, colouring in, cardboard boxes, dress ups, cubby houses, etc.
6. Teach your child new skills by first showing the skill yourself, then giving your child opportunities to learn the new skill. For example, speak politely to each other in the home. Then, prompt your child to speak politely (e.g., say “please” or “thank you”), and praise your child for their efforts.
7. Set clear limits on your child’s behaviour. Sit down and have a family discussion on the rules in the home. Let your child know what the consequences will be if they break the rules.
8. If your child misbehaves, stay calm and give them a clear instruction to stop misbehaving and tell them what you would like them to do instead (e.g., “Stop fighting; play nicely with each other.” Praise your child if they stop. If they do not stop, follow through with an appropriate consequence.
9. Have realistic expectations. All children misbehave at times and it is inevitable that you will have some discipline hassles. Trying to be the perfect parent can set you up for frustration and disappointment.
10. Look after yourself. It is difficult to be a calm, relaxed parent if you are stressed, anxious, or depressed. Try to find time every week to let yourself unwind or do something that you enjoy.
Tips for Connecting or Rebuilding a Relationship with your Teenager
Tips for Connecting or Rebuilding a Relationship with your Teenager
Spend time with your teen. Individually and as a family.
Talk with your teen and show them affection in appropriate ways.
Make clear, calm, well-timed requests when you want your teen to do something.
Praise, attend to, and reward your teenager for behaving well.
Ensure your teenager has opportunities to engage in interesting activities.
Be available to help when your teen requests assistance.
Coach your teenager to solve problems rather than just doing it for them.
Involve your teenager in family discussions and negotiating family rules.
Encourage daily check ins and regular family meetings. Create these to be fun, uplifting and rewarding, as well as, more serious.
Have a conversation to deal with minor rule breaking and direct discussion to educate about any risky behaviors.
Ten Tips for Parenting During Covid - 19
Ten Tips for Parenting During Covid - 19
1. REASSURE YOUR CHILDREN THAT YOUR FAMILY IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY.
Say something like "I'm your parent, it's my job to keep you safe and we are doing everything we can."
2. MAINTAIN EVERYDAY FAMILY ROUTINES.
Keep to usual rising times, mealtimes, and bedtimes. Every family is different. Involve children in working out any new routine (e.g., have a daily plan of activities for school-aged children who are at home).
3. HAVE PLENTY OF INTERESTING THINGS TO DO AT HOME.
Busy children are less likely to be bored and misbehave. With your child, help create a list of 20 activities that will keep them busy (not just screen time).
4. TAKE NOTICE OF BEHAVIOR YOU LIKE.
Think about the values, skills, and behaviors you wish to encourage in your children at this very difficult time. There are many opportunities to teach your children important life skills (e.g., being caring, helpful, cooperative, getting on well with siblings, taking turns). Use plenty of praise and positive attention to encourage behavior you like. Give them positive attention letting them know you are pleased by telling them what they have just done ("That's a lovely card you have written to your grandmother. That's so kind. She will really appreciate that.")
5. MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS YOU ARE READY TO TALK.
Children need to be able to talk to parents about their concerns and have their questions answered. When a child wants to talk about their feelings, stop what you are doing and listen carefully. Avoid telling your child how they should feel ("That's silly. You shouldn't be scared about that.") Let children know it is OK to be worried. Talking or drawing can help children get in touch with their feelings and figure out what they are anxious about.
6. BE TRUTHFUL IN ANSWERING CHILDREN'S QUESTIONS.
Find out what they know about the issue before answering. Keep answers simple. Get information from trusted sources (e.g., official government websites) rather than social media.
7. HAVE A FAMILY PLAN OF ACTION.
Involve children in preparing the plan. As situations can change quickly (e.g., new travel restrictions, school closures), update the plan as needed.
8. HELP CHILDREN LEARN TO TOLERATE MORE UNCERTAINTY.
The COVID-19 crisis creates uncertainty for everyone. Parents need to find a way to accept uncertainty and, through your actions and words show this acceptance to your children. It's OK to say, "I don't know; let's find out what we can." Big changes to children's lives can be hard and are often scary. They can also create opportunities for learning new skills.
9. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF THE BEST YOU CAN.
Deal with your own distress by taking actions that give you a better sense of personal control. Stress management skills such as mindfulness and/or deep breathing can help reduce stress. Keep healthy and safe (good personal hygiene, exercise daily, eat well, get enough sleep, avoid using alcohol or drugs to lessen stress). Avoid behavior that might increase your stress. For example, while it is helpful to keep informed about COVID-19, constant checking on your screens can increase stress.
10. REACH OUT AND CONNECT WITH LOVED ONES.
Make greater use of phones, online communication tools (video conferencing) and social media to keep in touch with family, friends, and neighbors. Help others in need who are going through a tough time and are more vulnerable (e.g., parents/caregivers with disabilities, older people).
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