How to Be a Positive Parent: 5 Ways to Improve Your Parenting Today
by Tracy Riley
Do you remember when your child was an infant and parenting was overwhelming? Maybe you looked forward to the day that your child just got a little older, it would be less stressful on you, right? I used to feel that way, and then my oldest child turned into a teenager. As much as I truly enjoy her now, I'd love to go back to crayon colored walls and peanut butter and jelly kisses.
Many external factors exist today that parents must deal with. Parents must contend with their child's peers and the pressures that can bring. The media exposure through television and music can also fight against the positive message parents are trying to bring to their children. A parent's work schedule may make it difficult to spend quality time together. There are always factors that we must overcome if we are to parent our children in a positive and uplifting manner.
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You can improve your parenting and bring back that closeness you enjoyed with your child. Parenting requires hard work and dedication to the task at hand. I can assure you that these tips are tried and true in my home.
1) Routines: When children know what to expect, they are able to practice making good decisions based on the repetitiveness of a routine. Families should have several sets of routines, practiced throughout the day. Morning routines get us up on time and out the door, after school routines ensure all homework is done and the most important routine is the one that is done before going to bed. Here is an idea of what to include in your routines, and we'll start with the most important one:
Before Bed Routine: This actually starts right after the evening meal and will include getting ready for the next day. It will consist of getting a bath, brushing your teeth, and laying out clothes for the next day. This helps adults as well as children. If you find that what you want to wear has a button missing or a stain, you can easily make the decision of repairing or washing your item or picking something else. (Have you ever tried to figure out what to wear when you got up late and have to be out the door in five minutes and your favorite blouse has a stain on it?) Also, before bed, ensure that anything that needs to get out the door with you in the morning is packed and ready to go, including lunch or lunch money, the backpack with homework and permissions slips. If you eat breakfast at home, this is a great time to set the table and set out the cereal box.
Morning Routine: When morning comes around there is no thought required. Clothes are ready and laid out, the bag is packed, and you can move right into the basics of the breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth and getting out the door in time without a frantic rush or panic of forgetting something important.
After School or Afternoon Routine: this can be for your children or for you if you stay home with younger children. For school aged children, when they come in from school, this is the time for snacks, chores, and starting homework. This is especially important if you aren't home, they know exactly what needs to be done and they can get started on it so that it is done and after the evening meal, you can go right into the next set of routines. If you are a stay at home mom, the afternoon is the time when you will want to make sure you have a plan for dinner, if you haven't exercised yet, do you have a plan to, have you had something for lunch?
About the Author:
Tracy Riley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. She earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from Florida State University after having already secured her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Auburn University.
Tracy is a dedicated professional and has worked with numerous families to help them overcome life's challenges; thus enabling them to achieve their goals, obtain personal fulfillment and live their ideal life.
Tracy has recently expanded her private practice for individuals and families. Appointments can be made by calling (904) 704-2527. You can also reach Tracy by email to schedule an appointment in the office or for telephone counseling for those outside of the local area.
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