Goals for Parenting

On Dec. 29th Dr. Phil produced a show about disciplining and parenting. The things that he said were important enough to repeat for parents who follow my blog.

1. Parent with a Purpose.
What do you want for your children when they grow up? Do you want them to be successful and responsible?

2. Parent with Clarity.
Know how you are going to parent so that you will be able to raise your children with the purpose in mind.

3. Parent by Negotiation.
Use a Level System, or a chart or a contract.

4. Prent with Currency.
Catch them doing something right and something good and reward them with the "currency" that they want. Give them the ability to earn and control their own lifestyle (within your boundaries). If I do "A" I will get "B".

5. Parent through Change.
Have fun, laugh, do things with your children that are fun and unique and safe.

6. Parent in Harmony.
Make sure that both parents are working together. Have a plan that both parents can agree upon and stay with it.

7. Parent by Example.
Children will watch what you do and emulate that. Make sure that you are being the example that you want your child to emulate when they grow up.