The trouble with being a parent is that by the time you are experienced, you are unemployed. Author Unknown
Connect with Your Child but Don't Overdo it



We all want to connect and be involved with our child. Children of involved parents generally feel more confident, assured and have a higher level of self esteem. They excel in school and do well in extracurricular activities and with their hobbies.


But is there such a thing as too much involvement? It's imperative when you're becoming involved with your school-aged child's activities and academics that you recognize the line of what being too involved can be.


Remember, you're becoming involved in your child's life. It's important that you don't intrude too much upon it. Children need their space and privacy and they need to be able to develop their own skills, talents and abilities. In our eagerness to help our child succeed, it's tempting to want to step in and start doing things for them because you feel they are doing it incorrectly or inadequately. But remember, you had to learn too, and this is their chance to learn on their own.


Be there to encourage and support your child, and offer praise at a job well done. But also remember to step back and allow your child to learn from their own mistakes, and to develop their own way of doing things. We all know from our own life experiences that there's always more than just one way to do something, and just because your child is doing it differently than you would doesn't make it wrong. Who knows, it could present a terrific opportunity for you to learn from your child as well.


In addition, try not to become too overbearing or nosy when it comes to their social life. Be available for them should they need to talk and encourage them to share their troubles with you so you can help them sort through a problem. But if they say they don't want to talk about it or they just need some time to figure things out for themselves, respect that need by letting them know you're available whenever they need you. This is an important part of growing up and allowing a child to figure his own way through things is an integral part of that process.

Systematic Training For Effective Parenting

Be firm yet fair when handing down discipline for misdeeds or misbehaviors, and make certain the rules and consequences for breaking the rules are clearly defined.

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It's important to keep in mind that bad behavior can sometimes be circumstantial.
Keep in mind the saying "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Set simple, clear and consistent rules so your child knows exactly what is expected and the consequences of misbehaving or breaking the rules. Until children show respect at home, it's unlikely they will show it anywhere else. With consistency, encouragement and praise, they'll soon be completely trained. We all want to connect and be involved with our child. Anger can be a paralyzing and debilitating condition.

Distract your child.
Though we all worry about spoiling our child, rest assured that you cannot spoil your child with love. Most importantly, praise your child often for good deeds, behaviors or traits, and tell them you love them at least several times each day. ' Help your child discover their abilities and talents, and encourage outlets for them to build on and improve them. Just like our 'to do' lists, your child will find great satisfaction in being able to check off each chore as it's completed and take pride knowing they accomplished a set task or list of tasks.