ways to be a better parent

Ways to Be a Better Parent

How to Be a Better Parent. Let your kids get bored, don't solve all their problems.
51. Get kids moving
The latest research shows that brain development in young children may be linked to their activity level. Place your baby on her tummy several times during the day, let your toddler walk instead of ride in her stroller, and create opportunities for your older child to get plenty of exercise.
52. Get your kids vaccinated
Outbreaks of measles and other diseases still occur in our country and throughout the world.
53. Protect that smile
Encouraging your kid to brush twice a day with a dab of fluoride toothpaste will guard against cavities.
54. Be vigilant about safety
Babyproof your home thoroughly, and never leave a child under 5 in the tub alone. Make sure car seats are installed correctly, and insist that your child wear a helmet when riding his bike or scooter.
55. Listen to the doc
If your pediatrician thinks your kids fever is caused by a virus, dont push for antibiotics. The best medicine may be rest, lots of fluids, and a little TLC. Overprescribing antibiotics can cause medical problems for your child and increase the chances of creating superbugs that resist treatment.
56. Keep sunblock next to your kids toothpaste
Apply it every day as part of the morning routine. Itll become as natural as brushing her teeth.
57. Put your baby to bed drowsy but still awake
This helps your child learn to soothe himself to sleep and prevents bedtime problems down the line.
58. Know when to toilet train
Look for these two signs that your child is ready to use the potty: He senses the urge to pee and poop (this is different from knowing that hes already gone), and he asks for a diaper change.
59. Avoid Comparisons and Labels
You want to be the kind of parent who takes the time to instill in your child good manners, habits, and behavior. But how? And with controlled chaos ruling the day, every day, when? Relax: Good parenting happens in real time, on the spot, and in the moment. The trick is recognizing those moments when your actions and reactions can help your child learn and grow in the best possible ways. Heres help from top parenting experts and a few real moms.
60. Walk the Talk
Kids watch your every move, and, especially for babies and very young children, parental behavior proves to be far more powerful than words. You are actually teaching your baby something every minute of the day whether you intend to pass along a lesson or not, says Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Discipline Solution: Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior Without Whining, Tantrums & Tears (McGraw-Hill). From how you handle stress to how you celebrate success to how you greet a neighbor on the street, your baby is observing you and finding out how to respond in various situations.
Julie Hughes, of Wilton, Connecticut, was touched when she observed her daughter Amelia, who was 23 months at the time, lovingly mothering her doll, after the birth of Amelias sister, Jane. I found Amelia with a pillow on her lap and her baby doll laid across it, pretending to nurse her, recalls Hughes, who was relieved that Amelia was learning about caring for others even without Hughes who was busy with three under the age of 4 consciously teaching that lesson. Just having your baby with you as you go through your days provides great opportunities to teach him about life, Pantley says.