Parenting Tips
Healthy kids are always seeking new discoveries. Healthy kids seek to understand how Mom and Dad operate. These
kids are constantly analyzing what we do when they act or fail to act. One goal of all humans is to experience a sense of
influence over our own lives and our environment. When we as parents know this, we can choose our responses wisely
and make our parenting job easier.
Wise parents suggest choices as often as possible and give direct commands only when absolutely necessary so their
children are given the opportunity to think and so that their children are less likely to argue.
o Would you like to have your sandwich cut in squares or triangles?
o Would you rather brush your teeth now or after we read a story?
Wise parents pause when their children misbehave or make a mistake and calmly ask the child what he or she plans
to do next to make things right again so that their children learn the skill of taking responsibility for choices made.
o Wow, it looks like that toy is broken now. What can we do about that? I wonder what will protect your
other toys from getting broken like that.
o Ooops you spilled your drink. How would you like to clean this up?
Wise parents let the consequences of poor choices teach their children how to make better and better choices,
whenever possible, rather than imposing punishments.
o I’m so sad that the dog chewed up your favorite doll. It looks like things that are left on the floor may get
ruined. That is why I like to put my things away so they can be safe.
Wise parents use consequences that teach, when necessary, so that their children are more likely to make better
and better choices.
o People who use manners get to stay and eat with the family and people who use rude behavior are
asked to leave after clearing their plate.
Wise parents make promises about what they will do in response to their child’s behavior rather than telling their
child what to do.
o In 15 minutes I will join in and help clean up with you when you are picking up your toys or you can do it
on your own anytime before bedtime.
o People who eat dinner get to have some desert/ People who brush their teeth will be allowed to have
sweets.
Wise parents use calm words and speak to their children when they, too are using a calm voice.
o “Mommy/Daddy will listen when your voice sounds like mine. I can’t understand you well when you are
loud.”
Wise parents make sure their children have the best possible chance of getting a good night’s rest by keeping a
consistent bedtime, practicing a calming routine before bedtime and having the same wake up time and routine
whenever possible.
o “It’s time to put on your pj’s so we can read a story and pray before bed”
Wise parents know how to praise their kids for effort and hard work rather than praising them for being smart
because kids know they can work at something but they are not so sure that they can “be smart” the next time.
o “You worked hard learning those math problems. Good job.”
Wise parents know who owns the problem when their children are having a difficult time.
o Let me know if you want some suggestions on how to make sure you remember to bring your
homework to school.