- Take your kids seriously. If it’s important to them, it should be important to you, in a real, and not patronizing, way.
- Listen to them closely. Even when you’re busy or your mind is preoccupied, make time to focus on what your kids have to say.
- Let them set the agenda. Don’t expect to meld your children into the individuals you think they should be; follow their lead and help them be the best them.
- Praise them smartly. Say “Good job” less often to your kids and express more substantive observations, such as “You caught the ball!” and “I saw you concentrating so intently!”
- Set clear expectations. If your kids know the goal, they can drive toward it and feel proud of achieving it.
- Spend time with them—doing what they want to do, playing what they want to play.
- Don’t solve their problems for them. Despite your every instinct to jump in and help, let your kids work through their challenges themselves. However…
- Have their backs, always. Make sure they know you are their supporter and defender, and will be there for them when they need you, every time.
- Don’t answer for them. If someone asks your kids a question, let them answer even if it’s a bit uncomfortable, or even scary.
- Make sure they know you’re proud of them. Unconditionally. Every day.
- Be confident yourself. And project that feeling of confidence in all you do.
Tell us: What’s your take on homework? Please select the sentence below that best reflects your point of view.
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