1. How do I help my child feel good about himself?
Spend more time affirming your child through words and touch.
Children get self-esteem from the home. Parents who convey unconditional love to children through their words and actions will give children a sense of self worth. Spend more time focusing on what your child does well and affirming him through positive words. Take time to hug your child, spend time with him, take time to listen and tell him often how much he is loved and valued as part of your family.
2. What are characteristics of a successful family?
Respect, communication, fair discipline, time together, appropriate conflict resolution, faith.
Numerous studies conclude that characteristics of a successful family include:
1. Respect for each other. Treating one another with dignity and respect.
2. Family members communicate effectively with each other. Parents listen to children and empathize and connect emotionally.
3. Clear parental guidelines are understood concerning right and wrong. Children know what is expected and discipline is fair.
4. Conflict is resolved in an appropriate manner.
5. Spending time together is a priority. Families set aside time to communicate, encourage, and enjoy each other.
6. A common religious faith is experienced. The opportunity is given for children to learn about faith and participate as a family unit.
3. When can a child understand the value of money?
Preschoolers can begin to understand the concept of money by playing money games at home.
Preschoolers can begin to understand the concept of money by playing money games at home. Using play money, you can play "store" with them to help them grasp the concept of what things cost. When required to "pay" for things and give up dollars, kids will understand the concept of money.
4. What kind of discipline works with children?
Various methods of discipline work with a child depending on the personality of the child.
No two children are alike. What works with disciplining one child may not work with another. Try various methods of discipline and learn what works best with each child. Reasoning and talking through problems works with some while others require specific rules and parents who are willing to consistently enforce them. The limits are always being tested.
5. Why is discipline important in raising children?
Effective discipline produces children with a healthy respect for others and themselves.
Effective discipline produces children with a healthy respect for others and themselves. Studies show that effective discipline sends a message to children that parents love them and desire what is good for them. Parents who demand accountability, self control, and responsibility for behavior produce children who feel good about themselves.
6. How do I resolve conflict with my child?
Conflict can be resolved in a number of ways including talking through consequences and behavior.
There are many aspects to effectively resolving conflict: empathizing with a child's feelings, reflective listening, giving advice, brainstorming ideas, and talking through consequences and behaviors.
7. How do I get my teen to talk to me?
Spend time alone with them, listen more than talk, don't react to what you hear.
Getting teens to talk may take more creative ideas. If good communication skills were not developed at an early age, the teen years may be a challenge for communication. Taking a walk, going shopping, visiting the ice cream store, sitting on their bed for a while, or taking a day trip may encourage conversation. Consider allowing televisions and computers to be located only in family rooms to encourage family members to be together more often.