You can tell a child is growing up when he stops asking where he came from and starts refusing to tell where he is going. 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.

Parenting Discipline

From their earliest moments they watch you closely and pattern their own behavior and beliefs after yours.

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Instead of watching that four-hour football game on Saturday, turn the TV off and work on your own hobby.
Until children show respect at home, it's unlikely they will show it anywhere else. By reacting, we send our child the message that their feelings and opinions are invalid. Agree on a regular time for studying. And don't allow a child to undermine your authority by battling with you over a designated chore.

Hopefully before any misdeeds occur, you've sat down with your child and discussed the consequences of misdeeds and inappropriate behavior or decisions.
But they tried something new and most likely learned from it as a result. Set consequences for substandard completion as a team. It should be understood by all family members they are expected and necessary to a household running successfully and efficiently. Responding also gives you an opportunity to work out a solution or a plan of action with your child that perhaps they would not have come up with on their own. If you find it difficult to squeeze in quality time during a hectic week, take the time to talk about things during the drive to school or while they are helping you put the groceries away.