Parenting is difficult.
The St. Augustine Youth Services offers some helpful hints to aid in what is probably the most difficult and most rewarding thing one will ever do.
The ABCs of good parenting:
Accept your child as the wonderful person he or she is.
Be a good role model in all you say and do.
Communicate respectfully and listen attentively.
Discipline fairly, firmly and with love.
Encourage good eating habits.
Find ways to get and stay fit together.
Gives chores that build responsibility.
Help your child learn healthy ways to manage anger and stress.
Instill respect for people and property.
Join parent organizations at school.
Keep your promises or don't make them.
Laugh together and enjoy each other's company
Make family rules and enforce them with consistency.
Never use physical force on your child.
Offer your help whenever it's needed.
Praise your child for achievements as well as efforts.
Quickly stop your child from any harmful activities.
Read together often and make reading fun.
Show patience and remember nobody's perfect.
Teach health and safety rules and good character traits.
Use every opportunity to say "I love you" and show your love.
Value your child's thoughts and opinions.
Wait until you cool down before disciplining your child.
X-cite your child about the value of education.
You make a difference in your child's life, so parent with pride.
Zero in on practicing good parenting skills every day!