Gareth Williams asked:


As a parent, it is important to get good information when it comes to parenting your children. There is nothing worse than reading articles on parenting that give bad advice and you read it not knowing that the article is biased in some way. Parents rely on friend’s advice, parenting focused magazine articles and books for advice on how to handle the challenges that parenting throws at them. It is important to make sure that you know who the information is being written by, what is their parenting philosophy and so forth. Last, but, not least, if something doesn’t sit right in your heart then don’t take the advice. Your intuition is usually right and specific advice is simply not going to work for everyone.

One of the best articles on parenting that I have read suggested that I should “Watch the baby and not the clock” in regards to a feeding schedule. Many people have differing opinions about how often babies should nurse or bottle feed. It is important to know that breastfed babies digest human milk faster than formula so they will usually want to nurse sooner than a bottle fed baby will want to eat. No amount of articles on parenting should make you value the advice over hearing the cry of your child cuing you that they are hungry. Every baby is different, and will have a different feeding schedule. As the baby gets older their schedule will change as well to meet their nutritional needs at that time.

The best advice to give a new mother is that when someone is offering advice, and they will get a lot of it, just to take the advice and use what works for her and to leave the rest. The same goes for articles on parenting as well. Parents can pick out pieces of information that are useful to them and leave the rest of the information that they don’t agree with or that they believe will not meet their family’s needs. She may even decide to do a little more research on the issue to make any more informed decision. Parenting is such a hard job, and new moms have so many doubts, fears and questions. It is important to have a more experienced mother that you respect available to bounce ideas off of and to get advice from.

Parenting advice has changed over the years. Pediatricians are constantly updating parents with new information and ideas through articles on parenting. It is important to stay current with parenting information, but not to forget that this is your baby and you are ultimately responsible for their well being.

Paul Banas asked:


“Teens Don’t Like Adults” Myth

As a father of two teenage daughters (15 and 17) I have continually heard the comment that goes something along the lines of “Whoa, that’s a tough age. I guess you’ll get to talk to them again in six years!”

I have also run into numerous dads (moms too) that say, “Yeah, my kids don’t even want to be around me these days. They are so into their friends.”

The first comment is a myth. The second is a cop out.

Granted, teenagers want their independence, but they still want their parents in their lives. More on this later.

What I believe happens is that parents get intimidated and busy and stop taking the time to ask children simple, conversational questions about their lives.

Nothing can be more intimidating than walking into a room of seven teenagers talking about music or anything, and feeling completely outnumbered, out-cultured, and out of sorts. It is easier to walk away than say, “What’s going on?” It is easier to walk away than ask that new pimply-faced boy you haven’t seen before, “Where do you go to school? “How are the grades going? Where did you go to middle school?” This starts the dialogue. Walk into the teenage fray we must. Take a deep breath, walk in, and ask away!

Let’s face it: we parents are human beings too. And half the time these kid’s parents have stopped talking to them and their teachers are basically time police. You may be the first adult who has asked them a considered question in the last month. People, even teenagers, love to talk about themselves. So if you give them half a chance they will. You can become an oasis of freedom to talk about themselves. This goes for your own children as well. It doesn’t have to be an interrogation. Just a question about school, about a friend, about music. You don’t have to be cool or “in the know.” “Who is that group? Are they popular?” You don’t have to know that Eminem is back with Kim. The key, I believe, is to not give up on the initial push back – or non-push back in the case of teenagers. They won’t be forthcoming. They won’t answer. They may shrug and say “Oh, nothing.” But believe me they want to talk. They are dying to talk. Even if they don’t.

Some how to’s:

1. Be the house they can come to. Let kids gather at your house. Anytime.

2. Food. Have lots of food. Kids (especially boys) love food. Don’t take, “I’m not hungry,” for an answer. Teenagers are always hungry. Food is the lubricant for talk.

3. Don’t be judgmental. I am not saying to let them have drugs in your house. But don’t let the disapproval of a little tattoo or funky hair on your kids friends show on your face.

4. In and out. Don’t hover. Come in, ask a few questions. Then get out. Let them breath.

5. Rules are OK. I like to keep them reciprocal. I respect you. You respect me is my favorite. I don’t talk to you that way, you don’t talk to me that way.

One last word on kids wanting you in their lives: Have you ever met a thirty year old that said, “I sure wish my parents hadn’t been in my life when I was a teenager.” I haven’t. Mostly we hear the opposite. Kids might be confused, they might even be angry. They may even be embarrassed by you – but then again everyone’s parents are an embarrassment. But, you are like the old best friend that you haven’t seen in ten years. Even though they would never tell you, your kids want to see you and most importantly, talk to you.

“Teens Don’t Like Adults” is a Myth. Don’t buy into it. Read a compilation of all the great parenting advice that received from readers over the years.

melinamenny asked:


You have made it through 40 weeks of anxiety studded waiting. Your baby has finally arrived and you are itching to try out your newly acquired parenting skills. But before you tumble into the glory and pain of parenting, it would help if you knew more about some of the most common mistakes parents make while bringing up young children.

When you look into the innocent little faces looking up at you with nothing but wonder in their eyes, it is easy to believe that your toddler is all innocence. This is the first mistake new parents make. Young infants are quite perceptive when it comes to people and surroundings. That is why your child is able to recognize its mother even before they open their eyes. From the time your child is born, they are watching the world with avid eyes and internalizing everything they see. So, as parents everything that you say and do is picked up by your child. Your child is watching, you had better pull your socks up!

According to a recent internet survey, most young parents are becoming more and more dependent on ‘Howto’ books and expert columns to look after their kids. While some amount of expert counseling from experienced doctors and child experts can help you understand your child and your problems, depending too much on third-party advice can be counter-productive. As a parent, nature has endowed you with an important monitoring system that helps you take the right decisions for your children: this is your inner radar or instinct, as we call it. It is important to tune in to your instinct and take independent decisions based on your observation, the individuality of your child and the circumstances. No guide or expert column can give you a customized solution for your problems. You learn as you go.

Proactive parenting is another skill that most parents need to learn as their child grows. Parents often complain that their young children refuse to do as they are told. This kind of behavior can begin right from the time your child is a toddler and continue into his late teens. Therefore, it pays to equip yourself with the know-how to avoid this confrontational attitude. The secret is to guide your child to acceptable behavior through positive persuasion, instead of forcing them towards it through the fear of punishment. For example, if your child throws a tantrum when you go shopping, it would be advisable to speak to your child before you leave home and explain to him that he will not get anything if he makes a scene but that you will buy him a candy if he allows you to shop peacefully. Reward, not punishment, should be the motivating force.

It is said that the few people who know perfect parenting are those with no children of their own. Parenting is a continuous learning process. And it is quite natural for parents to make mistakes. After all, we are all human. But it is important to understand your mistakes and rectify them in time so that you can have a rich and rewarding relationship with your child.

 

Joy Davenport asked:


he secret to successful parenting? That is something every parent wants to know. Parents everywhere spend countless hours trying to figure out how to be the best parent possible. There is no doubt that parenting is not easy. There is no handbook, but fortunately, there is parenting help in Louisiana. You can find out the secret to successful parenting as you read more below.

As a parent, you will teach your child many things. One of the most valuable things you can teach your child is self-discipline. When children can successfully discipline themselves, they will know how to avoid trouble and they will know how to act when you are not around.

When their parents are not around nothing is worse than children who act up in public or who are unruly. Most likely you have experienced somebody else\’s child who refuses to be good. This is an example of how children act when they do not have self-discipline.

Many virtues can be obtained by your child if you teach them self-discipline. Your child will be respectful of others, stay out of trouble and avoid bad situations. Your child will learn to be a good problem solver, learn critical thinking skills and stay out of trouble at school. The acquistion of self-discipline is a skill that will benefit your child their entire life.

You might not know what to do to help your child develop self-discipline. Parenting help in Louisiana can help you It is never a bad thing to ask for parenting help. If your willing to work at it, that’s the first step in trying to be a good parent.

Helping your child develop self-discipline starts with encouraging them in everything they do. You should always encourage them to stick with things and not quit or give up. You should offer them encouragement to develop their problem solving skills so they can complete tasks they start.

You should help your child develop an sense of responsibility. Give them chores and make them responsible for their own chores. If they have a pet then make them responsible for the pet. Avoid over coddling your child. Teach them that they are responsible for their own actions.

Self-discipline also comes from learning to make choices. If a child is aware that they face the consequences of what they do, then they have the basis to make good decisions. Do not shelter your child from bad things. Let them experience things so that they can learn the good from the bad. In order to learn how to make the right choices by themselves, you need to stop making choices for them.

You will not always be there to help your child. You have to teach your child the skills they will need to stay safe, be happy, healthy and to be a productive member of society. Getting bad grades in school, making bad choices and lacks self-control, are children that get into problems. You want the best for your child and through parenting help in Louisiana, you can ensure that.

The parenting advice has given you some great ideas and also some great advice so you can become more successful being a parent. Your goal as a parent should be to guide your child to being a productive and successful adult. when you seek out parenting help and do your best to learn the things you can do to raise great kids.

Veronica Fisher asked:

There is nothing as exciting, fulfilling and joyful as becoming a parent for the first time. First time parenthood however, can also be fraught with tremendous stress brought about by anticipation, preparation and caring for a little creature who can’t tell you what he needs or wants. For people who have actively sought parenthood however, it is probably this additional aspect of stress and tension that makes parenthood such a wonderfully strengthening and humbling experience. For first time parents, a useful parenting resource is a must.

Since time immemorial, new parents could always have ready access to any parenting resource. They could either ask close relatives and friends for sound pieces of advice or they could look for other parenting resource traditional sources. The library or bookstore for example can have a good parenting resource or two lying around. Expectant parents usually read a parenting resource book or watch a parenting resource video or film. Many can attest that such methods have held some merit. This is especially so because most famous parenting resource materials that come out in print or film have been made by expert individuals who actually publish their credentials. Parents can also benefit from a bestseller parenting resource that is sure to contain effective information.

Recently however, with the arrival of the internet, parents can also choose to get a parenting resource online. The question is whether an online parenting resource is as good as traditional ones. The internet can offer a wealth of resources for a clueless parent. Aside from selling traditional resources online, one can also choose to use a parenting resource article or e-book. There are now also available support groups and blogs or forums were parents can interact and swap practical information. The good thing about the internet is that you can check on a parenting resource without having to go out of your way. You can stay in the comfort of your home and still be well advised or informed.

In a lot of cases, a parenting resource from the internet can truly dish out good and reliable information and tips. As with everything else however, one should be careful with an online parenting resource. It may be a generally good idea to take advice from seasoned parents in forums. You can also probably take some tips from articles and online parenting resource materials that are authored by experts. Be wary however of the parenting resource that has uncertain origins or that talk about such sensitive topics as child medication or treatment. You may be endangering your child if you take note of pieces of advice from ghost writers who may not actually know what they’re talking about or from internet entities masquerading as experts.

The best thing to do is to check the credentials or origin of your parenting resource. Try researching about the names of Dr. so and so and the applicability, effectiveness, disadvantages and side effects or suggested procedures or child raising strategies. If you are particularly interested in critical and serious areas of concern, try getting into web sites that carry a .org or .gov in its address. This is especially applicable for such concerns as child safety, treatment or grave physical or psychological problems.

Joy Davenport asked:

Successful parenting what is the secret? That is something every parent wants to know. It is common for parents from all walks of life to need help in becoming better at what they do. Parenting is not easy with no doubts. There is no handbook, but fortunately, there is parenting help in Iowa. You can find out the secret to successful parenting as you read more below.

As a parent, you will teach your child many things. One of the most valuable things you can teach your child is self-discipline. When children acquire self discipline, they will act appropriately when you are absent and will not get into trouble.

Nothing is worse than children who act up in public or who are unruly when their parents are not around. You have probably had to deal with someone else’s child who refuses to behave. This is an example of how children act when they do not have self-discipline.

Many great virtues can be given to a child by teaching them self discipline. Children will learn to show respect, avoid trouble and stay away from bad possibilities. Your child will behave well during school hours, learn to think critically, and solve problems in a logical manner. Self-discipline is a skill that will benefit your child throughout their life.

You might not know what to do to help your child develop self-discipline. Parenting help in Iowa can help you. It never hurts to seek out parenting advice. You want to be the best parent and that you are willing to work at it.

Encouraging your youngster in all aspects of life will help them learn self control. Encourgement is always the way to go not allowing one to give in or leave. For finishing what they start you should encourage them to use their problem solving skills.

You should also foster a feeling of responsibility in your child. Give them chores and make them responsible for their own chores. If they have a pet, then they must provide care for it. Avoid trying to do everything for your child. Show them how they have to take responsibility for their choices.

We develop self-discipline through decision making processes. It helps them to learn to make good choices if a child knows that they will have to deal with the consequences of their actions. Do not shelter your child from bad things. Their own experiences will teach them good and bad. If you make decisions for them, they will not learn what they need to know to make their own decisions.

To help your child you will not be there always. In order to become a quality member of society, you need to impart the following to your child. Children who get into trouble, get bad grades in school and who seem to make bad choices lack self-discipline. You want the best for your child and through parenting help in Iowa, you can ensure that.

This parenting help has given you some great advice on the secret to successful parenting. Your goal as a parent should be to guide your child to being a productive and successful adult. It can be easier when you seek out parenting help in the long process and to learn the things you can do to raise great kids in the best way.