The ABC's of Parenting

A.Accept and value yourself and your child. n B.Be consistent, honest, fair, and firm as you relate to your n child. n C.Concentrate on what you like about your child and comment on it. n D.Develop interests of your own. n E.Encourage your child to discuss ideas and goals, expressing then belief that he or she can do many things well. n F.Forgive your child's mistakes, which are a natural part of n learning. n G.Gladly share your time, affection, and support. n H.Help your child feel safe and secure. n I.Interest your child in work by complimenting his or her n efforts. n J.Joyfully take pleasure in life. n K.Keep harsh criticisms to yourself; avoid using "should" and n "ought." n L.Let your child experience the results of his or her behavior. n M.Model by example those qualities you want your child to have. n N.Negotiate privileges and responsibilities, avoid overindulgence. n O.Offer some choices, allowing your child to make decisions. n P.Problem-solve with your child, listening carefully to his or hern thoughts and feelings. n Q.Quit blaming, shaming, and threatening. n R.Respect your child's right to grow at his or her own rate n without being pushed or compared to others. n S.Share household tasks among all family members so that your n child makes a contribution and feels a sense of belonging. n T.Take time to read with your child, thus instilling a love of n books and learning. n U.Use a photo album to record pleasant family memories. n V.Value honesty, kindness, dependability, truthfulness and caring. n W.Weather trials together as a family. n X.eXamine your attitude toward your child. n Y.Yield to professional advice conce
ing healthy living habits. n Z.Zestfully participate in a variety of family traditions and n activities.