Parenting Do’s and Don’ts
You may find nothing new in the following list of parenting do’s and don’ts, but read on anyway. You may be reminded of something you had forgotten, something may hit you in a new way, or something might occur to you that you had not thought of before about being a parent.
Each of these parenting do’s and don’ts could be the head of a chapter in a parenting book. Take each as a point of departure, a prompt into reflection, contemplation, meditation about parenting. Hopefully this list will stimulate your own creative thinking.
Needless to say, this list is not comprehensive. It is not an end point, but a beginning point. It might stimulate you own parenting do’s and don’ts. I would love it if you let me know yours.
Happy parenting.
DO remain calm DON’T lose your cool DO listen DON’T lecture DO ask, “What were you thinking” DON’T ask, “Why did you…” DO enforce the rules DON’T let your kids of the hook DO hold to the limits DON’T give in DO be firm DON’T be a door mat DO be consistent DON’T be inconsistent DO seek to understand DON’T be judgmental DO take interest in your child DON’T expect your child to take interest in you DO give your child attention DON’T expect your child to pay attention DO ask them how they are feeling DON’T tell them how you are feeling unless asked DO reassure your child DON’T threaten you child DO praise you kids DON’T criticize them DO express concern DON’T express disbelief DO tell them you love them DON’T tell them how frustrated, annoyed, irritated, hurt you are DO look them in the eyes DON’T glare at them DO take responsibility DON’T blame DO express optimism DON’T express pessimism DO offer cooperation DON’T expect cooperation DO make requests DON’T make demands DO offer choices DON’T dictate DO remember your child is immature DON’T expect your child to act mature DO be kind to your child DON’T be mean DO be forgiving DON’T be resentful DO express appreciation DON’T expect to be appreciated DO encourage DON’T discourage DO ask, “How can you….” DON’T declare, “You can’t….”
When you can’t do the above DO apologize DON’T make excuses
DO check out the resources and links on http://bestparenthelp.info DON’T hesitate to contact me.
About the Author
I am a parent and step-parent. I have been a certified Montessori teacher. I have been a professional counselor since 1980. I am licensed as a mental health counselor in the State of Washington. I am available for consultations by phone, email or Skype. Phone: 425-296-2544 Email: ricardo3015 at msn.com Skype: ricardo3015.
