12-Step Guide to Becoming a Better Parent - Page 13

Being a parent isn’t easy and there is no handbook that addresses the unique needs of every child. Whether it is your first, second or third, the journey is never the same. As parents, it is not our job to raise perfect children. It’s our responsibility to train them how to make good decisions. In order to fulfill our end of the bargain, we have to be good examples.

Here are 12 tips that can help every parent:

1. Stop cursing.
Teach your children to use real words by using them yourself. Instead of cursing to invoke emotion, use adjectives and demonstrate what it means to be articulate.

2. Get rid of the booze.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of wine or babysitting a beer, just not in front of the kids. They don’t need to see you even a little tipsy.

3. Don’t introduce them to everyone you date.
Children were not meant to witness their parents dating but it happens. So make sure they don’t see Mommy with several different men. One to three is plenty.

4. Dress appropriately.
At no point in time should a mother, regardless of age, be seen in the following items: midriff bearing tops, hot pants, sheer or micro-mini skirts.

5. Turn off your TV shows.
Television should be a learning tool for kids, and they are too young to try to understand adult content.

6. Buy some kiddie music.
The radio and popular music are not for kids. Help preserve their innocence and buy some children’s music. You can turn to your station when they fall asleep.

7. Invest in education.
Prepare your child to succeed by investing in educational toys, playing games and habitually reading. It is more important than a manicure.

8. Work off of their schedule.
Set a daily routine according your child’s sleeping and eating habits and stick to it. When making plans, take their schedule into consideration.

9. Set aside time for play.
Dedicate an hour a day to playing with your child. Read, run, whatever they want. All that matters is that you are present and engaged.

10. Say “I love you” twice a day.
Your children need to hear (as well as see) that you love them. So, be sure to make a daily habit of letting them know.

11. Take timeouts.
Timeouts aren’t just for kids. Separate yourself and take a few moments to woosah when you feel like you’ve had more than you can take.