Take Back Your Kids

Suddenly They’re 13 or The Art of Hugging a Cactus
A Parent’s Survival Guide for the Adolescent Years

She is My Daughter

Paws to Consider: Choosing The Right Dog For You And Your Family

I’m Counting to 10 … Hope and Humor for Frazzled Parents

How to Have a Happy Marriage When You’re Busy Being Parents

What Our Words and Actions are Really Telling Our Children

Ten Talks Parents Must Have With Their Children About Drugs and Choices

Ten Best Gifts for Your Teen

Revisiting the Mommy Track

The History of Family Rules

60 One-Minute Memory Makers

MotherLove

We all have goals for our children. We want them to be moral, caring and especially responsible. How do parents achieve this for their children? They have to follow the old rule of living by example. If you want responsible and independent children you have to live and run your house this way. Show your kids how to clean the kitchen and explain to them why you do so. Then help them pick up trash in the neighborhood park. This will show them how to be responsible for the places they enjoy. It is also important to remember that learning responsibility and independent takes time and practice.

Your five year old will not tie their shoes without help after practicing for one day. Your toddler is also still going to make a mess when they are first learning to feed themselves. Try not to hurry your child through a task. Give them time to learn. Also, kids don't succeed the first time they try something. If and when they do fail, use this time for encouragement. It is important for them to not feel discouraged and to keep trying. When they do succeed praise them. This way they learn to take pride in a job well dome. Your children will also be more likely to try other things on their own. Remember to make your requests reasonable. This way you will not be let down and your child will be happier. Eventually responsibility will become a habit and you will take pride in your parenting skills.

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