Parenting Children - August 16, 2012

Day 4 – Family Provides Fun & A Moral Compass


•  value of laughter
•  plan special family times
•  make sure the time is clear of any other commitments for every member of the family
•  prevent interruptions from the telephone or other people (unless they are invited with the understanding that it is family time Suggested routine for family times
•  try to make it the same time each week
•  spend at least an hour and a half having fun
•  take turns choosing what activity you do (See worksheet)
•  have it coincide with a meal
•  get each family member in turn to choose their favorite menu
•  when they are old enough, use it as an opportunity to teach them to cook their choice of food
•  make sure conversation and activities are at the level of the children
•  if it is a week night, work out when to fit in homework, music practice, etc. (before or after depending on the age of the children)
•  turn off the TV, or limit it to one program or DVD that you can watch together
•  children learn about good and bad behavior from their family they learn values such as:
•  thinking about others
•  taking responsibility
•  helping around the house

Question:
How can you plan a focused time of play with your child(ren) this week? Spend some time thinking about your moral compass – where does it point? Why?

From Series: Parenting Children Ages 0-10 | More Messages from Parenting Children | Download Audio

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Parenting teenagers involves gradually letting out the boundaries and giving increased freedom and responsibility.  We compare different parenting styles (neglectful, authoritarian, indulgent and authoritative) and show how a combination of warmth and firmness (authoritative parenting) is the most beneficial to a teenager’s healthy development.Adapting our approach

  • Communication not always easy through the teenage years
  • learning curve for most parents
  • adults and teenagers tend to communicate in different ways

See attached worksheet for some differences!

  • if we allow them to tell us what they find difficult about how we communicate with them, they are more likely to listen to us when we need to tell them what we find difficult about how they communicate with us
  • understand that sometimes teenagers like to be contrary. (If we get heavy and intense they will probably react strongly just to give us a hard time)
  • give them space. Respect their privacy.
  • don’t try to control every aspect of their lives.
  • don’t expect them to tell you everything

How easy or difficult is it for you to communicate with your teenager(s) currently?