Bring On More Parenting Advice!

Why? Because one can never have enough! Well, at least that's my view and stance on the subject. I've received so much advice along the way on my journey of parenthood & I've learned to embrace everything I've been told: good or bad, agree or disagree. I've taken what I've found useful and implemented them in our lives, and I've tucked away the "other" advice for reference (because sometimes what NOT to do is important information too). Then the journey itself lends experience & gives credibility to dole out my own advice to "first-timers" and fellow parents. Parenting is all about learning along the way, making mistakes (if you're seeking perfection, being a parent is not the road to take), dusting oneself off & moving forward.

6 Habits of Highly Effective Parents

• Talk to your kids: "Average conversation length strongly correlates with children's IQ's and reading ability." 
• Read to your kids: "Studies show that children whose parents read to them for at least 20 minutes a day are as much as a grade level ahead of other kids by the age of 15." 
• Let your kids play: "Play fosters executive function skills....enhanced working memory, reasoning, task flexibility, problem solving and the ability to self regulate." 
• Limit your kids' TV time: "TV overloads the visual part of the brain, destroying creativity."
• Foster the little artist: "Creativity is as much the confidence to create as the skills to be a creator". 
• Snuggle up to your kids: "Touching, rocking, talking, smiling, and singing are nourishment for young children, laying the foundation for a healthy and well developed brain." 

Wait, are these lessons for my kids, or for me?

Lessons for my Kids: here are my personal favorites:

• Trust your gut, both good and bad.
• Take chances that won't hurt yourself or others.
• Learn to make people laugh without making anyone cry. 
• Remember how good your life is.
• Admit to your mistakes.
• Absorb the lessons you learn the hard way.
• Don't make it hard for others to make you happy.
• Someone always has to lose. Sometimes it will be you. Don't whine about it; learn from it.
• Stand up to bullies by being smart and kind.
• Learn tact.
• Be the kind of person your mom always knew you could be. (My boys are & I'm SO proud of them). 

And here's some possibly valuable advice: Saying These 8 Things to Your Kid(s) Every Day Could Change Their Life:

• Try it: "It’s a big, beautiful world out there, and your child should grasp every opportunity to delight in it!"
• It's your choice: "Giving your child choices to make even early on in life will instill confidence in themselves."
• You are safe and loved:  "While ensuring their safety and happiness is always the goal as a parent, verbalizing it every once in a while shows how much they are valued, and reassures them of their security."
• You make me happy:  "...make a point to let your child know how happy they make you, and how you couldn’t imagine a life without them."
• I trust and believe in you:  "Your words can build them up or tear them down, and either way, eventually your kids will grow up find their place in the world. Don’t you want to be the one who gave them their wings?"
• Have a great day, don't forget who you are: "It’s never too early to help build your child’s identity, and help them figure out what values to hold on to."
• Mistakes happen:  "...more productive to teach your kids that mistakes happen, and it’s how we deal with them that matters."
• I love you: Of course you should tell your kids this. ☺ 

Be that Parent!

Yes being a parent can be difficult and challenging, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences in one's life. Embrace all that is good, learn from your own mistakes & the mistakes of others & enjoy all the wonderful moments & memories!!!  Happy Parenting!!!
❤️‍❤️‍❤️‍❤️‍
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