There is a wide range of parenting advice available today from professionals such as psychologists and social workers to religious experts to any number of other individuals with some kind of parenting experience. The tips below will help you choose the best style of parenting advice that will work for you by considering your own personality style and that of your child.
"I Told You So"
Try to avoid giving children "I told you so answers." Although in some specific cases this may be necessary there is generally a better way. It is very important for children to understand why they should not do anything because this allows them to grow as a person and to learn how to make their own good decisions.
As kids grow they want to become more independent, they should know what rules they need to follow and what the repercussions of not following them will be when they exert that independence. When there are clear guidelines set up ahead of time, everybody knows what is expected. This way, nothing comes as a surprise, and nobody can use the "that's not fair' card.
Others Understand Your Philosophy
Make sure that other caregivers in your child's life understand your philosophy and practices as a parent. From spanking to junk food, opinions vary wildly, so do not assume that your child's babysitter agrees with or understands your viewpoints. Be clear about your expectations and wishes regarding discipline, food, and other aspects of your child's care.
A great parenting tip is to hire a babysitter to look after your child when you're at work. You don't want to leave your child home alone, especially if they're very young. Hiring a babysitter can be a good way to keep your child safe and looked after.
Afford A Babysitter
Need a break from parenting but can't afford a babysitter? Give a play date a try. A well set up play date will give your child some extra socialization and stimulation. In addition, you'll get to enjoy some adult time with the other parents who are present.
The above tips will hopefully help you make sense of all the parenting advice available today by allowing you to consider both the nature of yourself as a parent and the personality of the child before choosing a parenting approach. Using the above tips will allow individuals to choose from the variety and quantity of information available that best suits their family's needs.