Parent Track

by Debbie Twomey on January 6, 2011

Parenting and child care solutions–sure can be some rough roads to navigate. Anyone in need of a GPS? Parenting is one of those life experiences that should come with a manual. I have often heard it said that we need to be tested and licensed for things such as driving or hunting and fishing, but anyone can have a baby and they are not always as equipped or prepared. If there were a test required before anyone could parent, who would actually qualify?

 

 

Parenting is a challenge so who wouldn't want to have the benefit of shared experience and assistance at the tip of your proverbial internet finger? Your child’s first true teacher is you. The lessons you choose to teach are critical especially when it comes to morals. Consider confidence, forgiveness, patience, compassion, sincerity, valor and tolerance as valuable as learning to talk and walk. They will shape the character of your child and make the difference between a healthy secure child and one who may encounter adjustment issues and distorted concepts of who they are and their role in society.

Providing positive emotional stimulation is essential in helping your child to develop healthy emotional responses to their world. The evolution of feeling content or hurt can begin as early as 2 months and these initial emotions eventually become more complex evolving into pride and shame and sadness and joy.

Learning responsibility allows a child to handle most expectations. Understanding inappropriate behaviors is not instinctive. Responsibility must be taught and nurtured through parental guidance.

Raising healthy children takes dedication and consistency. A great start is to always provide healthy food choices and for Mom and Dad to model the same eating habits they expect from their children.

Another effective tool is providing boundaries that are not only age-appropriate but put into place consistently.

Encouragement—a smile, a nod, a hug or praise goes a long way in a child’s development. Modeling behaviors you wish for your children is always best if you want positive results.

Working parents have an added concern when deciding what is best for their child. It can be so frustrating to resolve whether to have in-home care or take your child to an outside-care environment. The determination of where you child should attend daycare can be made easier. A smart first step is to equip yourself with questions and take the time to personally observe your choices. A daycare with desirable qualities is worth investigating.

These are just a couple of issues a parent faces once they bring their newborn home. Let an experienced “patron” help guide you through the myriad of questions, concerns, and advice you will be bombarded with in the coming years.

www.djtwomey can be the navigational system that alleviates all the worry and provides parents with healthy and useful alternatives when preparing your child for the world they will encounter.

Leave a Comment

Next post: