Secret to being a good parent
By Anne18
@Anne18 (11029)
September 21, 2011 4:09pm CST
Now is there really a secret to being a good parent?
Something else intresting that I have read today in the newspaper, common sense really but here goes....
Now there's a formula for bringing up children
Each day, parents of young children should read to their child for 15 minutes (I can tick that box for when my children were young)
Play with them for 10 minutes (I again can tick that box)
Talk to them with the TV switched off for 20 minutes (I can tick that one as well)
Experts say this routine provides the best platform for a child to grow into a mature, successful adult.
Although I can tick all those boxes and I know you fellow mylotters will as well as really its all just common sense.
Do you have any other secrets to being a good parent that you can add?
I would add ensure you hug and kiss your children on a daily basics.
5 responses
@Humbug25 (12540)
•
24 Sep 11
Hi there Anne18
Well yes I guess it is all common sense really but a single parent of 3 boys myself I just can't fit it all in to do all those things every day. We have activities 6 days a week and I have to cook the dinner and do all those other things no one else does haha. I totally agree with you to add to kiss and hug your kids every day which I ensure that I do and I tell them every day that I love them too. We do most of our talking across the dinner table or in the car on our travels to activities and I do try to squeeze in reading with them or to them when I can as well as helping them with homework etc!
@Humbug25 (12540)
•
27 Sep 11
Hi ya Anne18
Yes they are all at school now but I am still busy doing courses and trying to decorate the house and as I am useless and don't know much about diy it is not easy hahhaa. As soon as the kids come home from school it is off to gymnastics, football or swimming and so we only have one full day 'off' a week which is Saturday and then I am doing the washing as that is when I have time to do it and the electric is cheaper!
@celticeagle (189880)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Sep 11
I think that routine is very important for children. Lack of routine makes their lives chaotic and causes stress. They learn by example and parents need to be good role models. Oommon sense is important in child rearing also. I think that true affection shown them and that they see daily is important.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
21 Sep 11
I don't have any great secrets on parenting but I think those would be some great ways to start. Children don't come with an instruction manual although it would be wonderful if they did..lol.
I think the thing that has helped me the most is to be a parent first and foremost. Always make yourself available and in a way that they are not afraid to talk to you about things. Now there have been times when mine have come to me with things I felt they were too young to deal with or even subjects that are very hard to discuss...but we talked about them anyway. Calmly for the most part. Kids go through a lot of influences and have a lot of thoughts. Guidance is very important and if we don't do it...their friends will.
@RebeccaScarlett (2532)
• Canada
22 Sep 11
To me that doesn't seem like nearly enough time! I think each parent should spend at least that much time with each child each day when they are younger, and more than that if at all possible!
I work 60 hr weeks most of the time and my hubby stays home, but I get in at least an hour of play time with my daughter each day, and more talking time. Once of us does reading each day.
We also make sure she has independent time so that she does not become clingy and unable to do things on her own.
Of course, she is only 15 months old. As she gets older, she will need more time on her own and less time with us.
