Top 10 Parenting Tips

Nobody ever said that being a parent was easy. Some of us think that we will be either downright awful, others think they will be the best parents in the world.

So what do you do when a situation arises and you're not sure how to handle it? Simple... you do your very best.

Here are a few parenting tips to make life bearable! These are not in any order, but I do have my favorites! Hope they help :o)

1. Number one of the top 10 parenting tips...Love your child - and yourself. No matter what you might think, you are not a bad parent. It's easy to be down on yourself if you think you've handled something wrong, learn from your mistake and do things differently next time.

2. Remember that your kids at this young age will model themselves on you. Whatever you do, your kids will mimic. So don't do anything in front of them that you wouldn't want them to copy.

3. Keep a routine with your children. Have a set time for bed, for meals, for bath time and so on. It might feel restricting and boring to you, but kids get on better if they have routine to stick to (I believe that this is one of the most valuable of these 10 parenting tips)

4. Realise that it's OK to say 'no' to your kids. If they can't have something they want, or you don't want them doing something, tell them no. Explaining why could help the situation. Don't under any circumstances give in once you have said 'no'. We all know the saying 'making a rod for your own back'. If you give in just once, your child knows that whatever they did was effective in getting them what they want!

5. Learn a few distraction methods! If your toddler is having a tantrum because it's nearly dinner time and she has her eye on a big bag of sweets in the supermarket, distract her. "Wow look at that big spider" "Oh my goodness was that Grandma that just disappeared behind that shelf!".

6. Let your children have and express their feelings. If your child is angry or sad, talk to them, ask why they feel this way. Talking about their feelings is much better than just telling them to shut up and ignoring how they feel.

7. Concentrate more on your child's good behaviour than bad behaviour. If you are forever telling your child off, and saying they are naughty they will see themselves as bad. As the saying goes, "if the cap fits...."

8. Praise, praise and praise some more. Make the most of the good things that your child does. If he puts his wellies away, praise him. If he cleans his teeth by himself, praise him. You don't have to give praise by the way of treats all the time. A huge hug from mum or dad is great praise for your child.

9. Give your child a good start in life with a balanced diet. Plenty of fruit and fresh veggies is far better than crisps and sweets.

10. My personal favorite of the top 10 parenting tips - Make the most of every moment that you spend with your child. Time goes fast, your baby is only a baby for a short time, as with your toddler, pre-schooler and so on. Before you know it they'll be all grown up, and there will be no more worm pies, or drawings on your newly decorated living room wall! Let them know that you love them, and always will.

Being a perfect parent isn't as easy as you think. You are bound to make mistakes along the way. I wrapped my son up in cotton wool, and he was afraid of so many things. My daughter just got on with things and at only 4 years old is a lot stronger minded person than my son.

The 10 parenting tips above are some that I have found while searching the web and I think are very valuable. Some are my own personal tips that I have found to be indispensable with my kids. As your child gets older you will no doubt discover (through challenges that you face) your own set of favourite tips to help you along the parenting path.

Return from top 10 parenting tips to the New baby and beyond homepage.