your best parenting tips?

[binny]

Its been awhile since we've done this thread I think. There's lots of new people here too so this should be fun


Give me your best parenting tips.
It can do with anything, how to instill your own values, how to get a stain out of carpet, your choice.


Now please keep in mind that everyone has different parenting styles and we are allowed our own opinions

 

[debster812]

Choose your battles!!!!! If your 4 year old wants to wear his snow boots in July, let him! It's not hurting anyone, and it's not worth the fight.

 

[aahmom1]

Along the same line...Don't sweat the small stuff, there will be enough big stuff.

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

Always keep your sense of humor.

Be consistent.

Love them like there is no tomorrow!

TK

 

[RIDISNEYLOVERS]

OXY CLEAN!!

This works wonders on protein stains - food stains, spit up, etc....

 

[Lucky4me]

Do not buy white carpet or white furniture.

 

[4greatboys]

Say your sorry if you have made a mistake or done something you feel sorry about. I think my boys have learned everyone makes mistakes and to tell the ppl you care about your sorry.

 

[The LK 4]

Always say please and thank you!

 

[peg2001]

Here's my biggie:

Disregard all advice from parenting "experts" and do what feels right to you. For example, if everyone (parents, friends, pediatrician, etc) is telling you to just let your baby cry but that feels wrong to you, don't do it!!

Peggy

 

[Saphire]

1) Talk to your kids about everything, all the time, especially when they are little, and answer their questions.

2) Read to them every day.

3) Be consistent.

 

[mivvers]

Whenever my kids threw tantrums when they were smaller, if I was on the verge of freaking out, I would get down to their level and hold my arms out to them without saying a word. More often than not, they'd come over for a hug, and then I'd talk to them about whatever caused the problem when they calmed down.

 

[kinlaw6450]

LIsten to them!!! (how many times have we demanded they listen to us?)

 

[tiggerlover]

Be consistent.

 

[Lucky4me]

Thought of another one.

Don't wait until your child is 12 for the 'big' talk.
Make it an on going talk, starting as soon as they notice their parts... Better the information come from you, than their uninformed friends...

 

[grinningghost]

Read to your kids from the day they're born, and choose your battles carefully. What seems like a mountain may only be a mole hill. The mountain will come eventually. Be ready for it.

 

[CamColt]

Dont force potty training. No matter what people tell you works wonders, or how their kid was trained in 1 day using such and such a method, it may not work with your child. Definitely encourage it if they are willing, but if they are totally against it(like my oldest was), and nothing works, dont drive yourself nuts over it. Its not worth it.

Goo Gone....need I say more.

 

[POLLY ANN]

Do special things with your kids that they will remember when they grow up.

For example, an annual Disney World Trip! lol

Seriously, kids are going to remember the time you spend with them more than the toys you bought them for christmas. The laundry and toilet scrubbing can wait, too

 

[christineann]

Laugh. Laugh a lot!

Hug them even and especially when they don't "deserve" it!

 

[DopeyRN]

Have dogs!!!!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Tell them you love them everyday.

Don't fight in front of them.

Count to 10 when you feel like you are going to lose it.

Trust your Mothering (or Fathering) instinct.