There are so many different ideas out there on how to deal with misbehaving children.
From time-outs to restriction for older children, it can be hard to know what is the right thing to do with your child.
As a parent of three children varying in ages, I will offer some of my advice in hopes that it might help someone out there.
Pick your battles: Often times as parents we start out with an ideal in our head of the perfect child and the perfect family.
We struggle to force our child into that ideal often losing focus of the goal which is to raise happy, healthy, self-sufficient adults.
Just because you do something one way, is it really that important that your child does the same? This can mean anything to what their homework style is to how they load the dishwasher.
Sometimes you just need to let kids do things in their own ways.
Don't judge: Parenting is not a superiority contest especially as your kids move into the teenage years.
Often times kids can seem smug and over confident.
A lot of this outward demeanor is hiding their real feelings which may be they are scared as heck of growing up.
Remember that your overly critical words hurt and you will help put up a wall between you and your children.
Maybe they want to dye their hair green; maybe they choose to read graphic comics over the things that interested you at that age.
Let them choose their own interests and find their way with your guidance, not your criticism.
Teach by example: Sick of trying to get your kids to eat healthy? Feed them what they want while you choose a healthy lifestyle.
You will be amazed by how your kids will eventually want to start eating like you when given the choice and not forced.
Do you wish they would read more? Well then you need to be seen enjoying books and magazines on a regular basis.
Teach by example.
Show Interest: Stop complaining that your kids don't enjoy the same things you do.
We did not become parents to raise duplicates of ourselves.
We need to celebrate our differences and the fact that we are raising unique children to adulthood.
Participate when they allow in some of their interests.
Sit down and play some video games with your kids.
Read a book that they recommend.
Listen to some of their music with them.
Be tolerant.
Find a reason every day to celebrate your child's individuality.
Be heavy on praise, and constructive with your criticism.
Hug your child and tell them that you love them every single day.
Give them reason to feel good about themselves so they will develop the confidence to survive in this world we live in.