10 Ways to be a Great Parent

1. Be a good role model. Children learn from examples their parents set.
2. Be respectful of your child's thoughts, feelings and suggestions.
3. Make your child feel loved with words of praise and with hugs and kisses
4. Keep your word. If you break it, apologize and make it up to the child.
5. Encourage your child's creativity. Ask questions to encourage imagination and curiosity.
6. Build your child's self esteem by recognizing and showing appreciation for all genuine efforts.
7. Stay involved. Know what's going on in your child's life, both at school and with friends.
8. Discipline fairly, firmly and with love. Focus on the behavior not the child.
9. Establish family traditions and make time to do fun things together.
10. Think positively. By expecting the best, you empower yourself and your child to solve problems and achieve goals.

Other Notes:

Yesterday I started a podcast with my 13 1/2 year old son at thoughtsfromwisconsin.podbean.com --- It's fun. Even though it was a rough draft podcast, it was a great way to find more ways to get to know this very special individual, my only typical son. I would highly recommend a podcast as a way for you and a significant other, son, nephew, etc. to get to know each other better. Sign up for a free podcast at www.podbean.com

Hope you have a great week :) I will not be posting probably next week because we will be visiting Mazatlan, Mexico 2/7- 2/15. A well deserved vacation I think. My wife agrees :)