Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Parenting tips roundup

There's no shortage of lists on the net and rather than talking about all the different posts I'll list the links and the concise version of the "advice". Most of which is common advice but still good to remember:

How to be a Great Dad - 12 Awesome Tips | Zen Habits

  • Put their interests first, always.
  • Protect them.
  • Spend your spare time with them. --The thing kids want most from their dads is their time.
  • Give them hugs.
  • Play with them.  See 100 Ways to Have Fun with Your Kids for Free or Cheap.
  • Do the “mom” stuff. changing diapers, feeding, bathing, rocking them to sleep in the middle of the night.
  • Read to them. This is one of the most important things you can do for your child. See the Best All-Time Children’s Books.
  • Stand by mom. Don’t contradict their mother in front of them, don’t fight with her in front of them, and most definitely don’t ever abuse her. 
  • Teach them self-esteem. Maybe this should be No. 1.Praise and encourage, don’t reprimand and discourage.
  • Teach them about finances.
  • Be good to yourself. You need to take care of yourself, give yourself some alone time, and some time with your buddies, also eat healthy, exercise.
  • Be good to the mom. Take her to dinner, give her a massage, do chores around the house for her, give her some time alone and babysit while she goes out, show affection to her, give her little surprises. Because when mom’s happy, the kids are happy. And dad will be happy too!
  • How to Raise Wonderful Kids - 15 Fantastic Tips to Shine as a Parent

    Do the following:

  • Let your family be one of your top priorities.
  • Listen to them.
  • Be the life coach of your kids.
  • Expose them to art and wonder.
  • Teach them the value of people.
  • Teach them how to save.
  • Reward them.
  • Teach them how to handle disappointments.
  • Avoid the following:

  • Don’t teach them your limitations.
  • Don’t force them.
  • Don’t fight or argue in front of them.
  • Don’t act cheap.
  • Don’t lose patience.
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