After working with children and families for over thirty five years, there are some patterns and facts of child-rearing that have clearly emerged. The remainder of this article will present and focus on some of these methods and concepts that over the years seem to have served so many families well. I would suggest that if you really think about, and try just some of them; your child will be the better for it. Some are relatively easy to do – others are not. You will be the ultimate judge of what makes sense to you and what doesn’t. What you are willing to try and what you are not. I can only suggest and share with you my experiences and observations over the years. You are the parent – the decisions are yours.

 

Please remember that these are generalities and there are always many exceptions. So sit back, relax a bit, get comfortable, and let’s get started.

 

To begin with, you would be truly amazed if you really knew how carefully and often your child is watching you. Your child is watching almost everything that you do - and how you do it. Why? Because the child is trying to understand a new and complex world and you are the ultimate role model and teacher. You are the example of what and how things should be done. Mom generally sets the expectations about women and Dad generally sets the expectations about men. Together you represent how the world works and how its problems should be handled. Why is this concept presented first? Because it really is that important! Let’s think this through a little.

 

 If the parents fight and scream a lot in front of the child – what is the child learning about how a marriage should be? How Moms and Dads should act? If Dad hits Mom when he is mad – what is the son learning about being a man? What is the daughter learning about what kind of man she should marry someday? If you throw and break things when you are mad – what is your child learning about how to handle frustration and anger? If you sit with a drink in your hand all night – or come home drunk – or pop a pill every hour – what do you think you are teaching your child? Would you really be surprised if the child grows up with a severe temper, fights a lot, gravitates to drugs or alcohol, or later in life finds someone to marry that is just like Mom or Dad!  We know that children who are raised in abusive households tend to marry into abusive relationships later in life.

 

The suggestions here are simple – hard to do sometimes – but simple. Remember that your child is watching. Whatever you are doing is probably being taught by example to your child. Are you acting and behaving in ways that you really want your child to learn and imitate? Sound like common sense? If you think about it, it is. Remember that parenting should not be a spectator sport. It does require effort and attention on your part.

 

Another good guideline is to be as consistent as you can with your rules and expectations. The child needs you and the world to be predictable. Both you and your spouse should be consistent with each other regarding the rules and expectations. If it is right today, it needs to be right tomorrow. If you are not consistent, you throw the child’s little world into chaos and the child doesn’t know what he/she should do to please you. That means you will need to stand firm sometimes and not be swayed by outbursts or pleadings. Even during the dreaded adolescent period, this should be the case. Remember you will always be the anchor for your child in an unpredictable world. You need to be the parent that can always be depended upon. Also, try not to lie to the child all the time. Children can often handle more truth that we give them credit for. Use some common sense here.

 

The last really important issue that I will share with you in this article is the child’s need for your occasional personal and undivided attention. I’m not talking about a lecture or a group event - but a real time when the child feels free and safe to discuss with you whatever is on his/her mind and not have to compete for your attention. If the only time your children can get your undivided attention is when they are acting-out – guess what they will do? That’s right, the acting out will increase. That’s how much they need your attention. I actually had an older child tell me once that he “would rather be wanted for being bad – than not wanted at all!” Every child will learn how to get your attention – the only question is how!

 

Finding and creating these special times takes some thought and planning on your part.Taking walks together are great opportunities for just talking. Sitting in the yard, or on the porch, or on the bed also works well. Remember that it is the process of having this time together that is important – not what you do or where you do it. What is important is that your child can have your undivided attention and feel comfortable talking about what is on his or her mind. As readers of my other articles know, I am a tremendous fan of reading to your child. There are some wonderful children’s books out there. Remember that stories that you –or both of you – just make up can be just as much fun. Find something that is interesting to the child, and if possible lends itself to meaningful discussions about common childhood issues or fears. Avoid the superhero, violent content stories, and the other nonsense that the media tries to glamorize for your child. These private reading times can be some of the most meaningful times for both of you. You can find a half hour or so a week if you really want to. Turning off the TV for that time will be a good start. It will be time well spent. Memories of these times tend to last a lifetime.

 

If the reading section interests you, you may want to review my recent award winning book. The Adventures of Seamus the Sheltie was written specifically with these types of discussions with your child in mind. A Parental Discussion Guide and coaching section is included. The book may be viewed in detail at my website www.jamesbeverly.npauthors.com , the publisher’s website, or any major online book retailer.