ABC of Parenting

A is for accountability. Hold your children accountable for their behaviour.
B is for boundaries. Set specific limits and make clear what the repercussions will be if those limits are exceeded.
C is for consistence. Hold to the same principles and practices.
D is for discipline. Make the punishment fit the crime. Never discipline the anger.
E is for example. Children are in greater need of models than critics. Set a good example.
F is for forgiveness. Practice it and teach the importance of forgiving.
G is for giving. Teach the joy of giving, not only to family and friends, but to strangers in need.
H is for sense of humour. Keep your sense of humour. Promote laughter with your children.
I is for imagination. Be creative and play with your children. Make up stories of songs when you read and sing with them.
J is for joy. Let your kids know that they are a joy to be with.
K is for knowing. Know your children’s friends and their parents as well as their teachers.
L is for listening. Listen to your children. It will teach them how to listen to others, and their thoughts will give you insights.
M is for morals. Be sure your own standard of conduct is sound.
N is for no. Use it and mean it.
O is for outdoors. Provide as much outdoor activity as possible. Teach respect for nature.
P is for pressure. Reduce the pressure on your children but insist they maintain high standards.
Q is for questions. Pay close attention to their questions and give simple answers unless they demand more.
R is for respect. Show respect, teach respect and earn respect.
S is for source of strength. Share your own faith or beliefs with your children. Faith will be their port in the storms of life later.
T is for togetherness. Have special designated times to be together as a family-but know when to let go too.
U is for uniqueness. Understand the uniqueness of each child and let that child be who he or she is.
V is for voice. Tone of voice can convey more to a child than the words spoken.
W is for words. Keep your word. Promises broken destroy trust.
X is for eXamine. Examine constantly and be aware.
Y is for you. Take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. A happy parent helps a child to be happy.
Z is for zowie! Who would have thought they would grow up so quickly?