Parenting tips galore

Some important tips
A Few pointers on how to discipline children, here goes:

* When disciplining a child, criticize their behavior, not them.

* To keep laces in shoes, thread the first two holes. Then tie knots in the laces on each side. The knots will keep the laces in the shoes.

* Clean cuts and scrapes with a dark red washcloth so they can't see the blood.

* Say what you mean and mean what you say!

* Store bath time toys in a mesh draw string bag and hang it over the showerhead to drip dry.

* When you take out a child and a friend, you should treat them alike even though they might not be yours.

* Have the children take turns doing the dishes in the evening after you've cooked for their allowance. When your kids are driving you crazy and you feel like you can't cope, find a dark quiet room to sit in for 10 minutes. Don't think of anything, just sit and gather yourself before you loose your mind and say things that you don't mean or will regret later.

* Learn to pick your battles with kids; don't sweat the small stuff

* Meet your child's teacher before school starts or on the first day of school. Express any concerns you may have about your child's education.

In the early evening, plan a regular homework time. Although this might get difficult, with the increase in your personal and home errands, its best if you could stick to a schedule. Get involved and talk with your child. If they need help, give them your support.

* Read to your child every day. Take them to the library to pick out books to read. The night before, make sure backpacks are packed, lunches are made and clothes are picked out for the morning with shoes and socks.

* If you pack your child's lunch in a lunch box, freeze juice or drink boxes the night before to use to keep foods cold. By lunchtime, the juice or drink box will be thawed.

* Have kids do homework right after school, never later. Kids have this innate energy to get rid of things or put them off endlessly. Its best if you could help them recognize that there are loads of games to be played right after they finish their homework.

* Talk to your child everyday after school about their day. Ask questions to make sure they are not having problems. This not only makes you gauge their unique form behaviour skills but also teaches you to tackle him/ her in the accurate manner.

* Don't try & run your grown kids lives - just love them & enjoy. Let them feel that amongst their best friends, you top their list.

* Stick with your word. If you say you are going to take the kids somewhere, then do it. If you tell them they are grounded then, don't let up. It shows the children later, just how much you really loved them. Moreover, kids have this tendency to stick up memories to incidents, so whether you help them place these memories with the good times or otherwise, is quite your decision.

* It takes patience and persistence to raise children, so its best that you don’t draw comparisons, treat them as individuals, they’ll love you all the more.