We have survived the Christmas break and our little angels are back at school but all that seasonal excitement can play havoc with routine, and an abundance of presents, sweets and treats can also bring some less endearing traits to the fore. If you would like some simple reminders and techniques to get children back on track after the school holidays we have come up with some top tips that will take you Back to Basics Parenting Texas.
Routine. Routine is so important to children and they respond well to knowing what to expect from their day. Over the Christmas break family visits and 'excitement overload' can make it particularly difficult to maintain routine but now that the break is over it is important to get things back to normal as quickly as you can. Fixed bed and meal times are high on most parents' lists.
Forgetting to include specific language about medical and educational records access. Whether you are the custodial parent or non-custodial parent, there can be real hassles in gaining access to your children's vital information unless you clarify that. Include strong wording in the plan to enforce each parent's right of access or restriction to those records.
Quality time. Quality time with you is what your children really want so try not to use the television or computer game as a live-in childminder. It is always possible to spend quality time with your child daily, even if it is just a chat on the way to or from school, a sit-down meal together or a bedtime story. Build on this whenever you can for a trusting and rewarding relationship with your child.
Rewards for good behavior. Rewarding good behavior, with praise, quality time, or even a small treat, can be a very positive technique when encouraging the behaviors that you would like to see more of in your child. However, it is very important not to mistake bribery for reward. Avoid giving your child a treat in order to stop them from doing something naughty, as they will soon learn that bad behavior gains them attention or gifts; which is exactly the opposite of what you are hoping to achieve.
A reward must be something that is given after your child has shown particularly good behavior, often when you have agreed in advance that the desired behavior will result in the specific reward. Remember that what most children want is more time with you, so often the best reward could be an extra chapter of their bedtime story or a trip to the park, it doesn't have to involve spending money.
Older children could also build up 'reward points' that may result in an afternoon at the local pool or something similar. The possibilities are endless and this technique can be very effective and really bonding, while boosting your child's self-esteem at the same time.
To be a successful parent, you have to think about the example you are setting to your children. It's not enough to simply pay the bills and keep them healthy. They also need to feel that their parents are stable and emotionally secure. Don't think that you can hide your unhappiness from your children. They are more perceptive than you would think. Much of their emotional well-being is in your hands.
Routine. Routine is so important to children and they respond well to knowing what to expect from their day. Over the Christmas break family visits and 'excitement overload' can make it particularly difficult to maintain routine but now that the break is over it is important to get things back to normal as quickly as you can. Fixed bed and meal times are high on most parents' lists.
Forgetting to include specific language about medical and educational records access. Whether you are the custodial parent or non-custodial parent, there can be real hassles in gaining access to your children's vital information unless you clarify that. Include strong wording in the plan to enforce each parent's right of access or restriction to those records.
Quality time. Quality time with you is what your children really want so try not to use the television or computer game as a live-in childminder. It is always possible to spend quality time with your child daily, even if it is just a chat on the way to or from school, a sit-down meal together or a bedtime story. Build on this whenever you can for a trusting and rewarding relationship with your child.
Rewards for good behavior. Rewarding good behavior, with praise, quality time, or even a small treat, can be a very positive technique when encouraging the behaviors that you would like to see more of in your child. However, it is very important not to mistake bribery for reward. Avoid giving your child a treat in order to stop them from doing something naughty, as they will soon learn that bad behavior gains them attention or gifts; which is exactly the opposite of what you are hoping to achieve.
A reward must be something that is given after your child has shown particularly good behavior, often when you have agreed in advance that the desired behavior will result in the specific reward. Remember that what most children want is more time with you, so often the best reward could be an extra chapter of their bedtime story or a trip to the park, it doesn't have to involve spending money.
Older children could also build up 'reward points' that may result in an afternoon at the local pool or something similar. The possibilities are endless and this technique can be very effective and really bonding, while boosting your child's self-esteem at the same time.
To be a successful parent, you have to think about the example you are setting to your children. It's not enough to simply pay the bills and keep them healthy. They also need to feel that their parents are stable and emotionally secure. Don't think that you can hide your unhappiness from your children. They are more perceptive than you would think. Much of their emotional well-being is in your hands.
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