Submitted by Wholistic Health and Wellness

Good and Bad Parents are something to think about. So today we will write about Good Parents.

We came up with a list of 11 things that Good Parents do for their kids. The list is not in order of importance and it is by no means complete.

1. Tell your child ‘’No’’

2. Teach your child empathy

3. Tell your child that the world does not revolve around him/her

4. Teach your child to appreciate his/her life

5. Teach your child to respect themselves and others

6. Say “I love you’’ to your child

7. Read to your child

8. Tell your child to say no to drugs/alcohol and that violence is never an option

9. Talk to your child about his/her day

10. Eat dinner as a family

11. Provide your child with a loving and stable home

Here is a little background into my choices for this list:

1. Some parents think that ‘’No’’ is a bad word. You know who I’m talking about. The parents in the grocery store that let the kids open the snack before paying for it.

2. It’s important for children to learn that they should try to put themselves in someone’s shoes to better understand that person before judging them.

3. There are too many selfish children in this world, stop it parents! Parents need to let their child know that he/she is not the only child on the planet.

4. If you don’t appreciate life, you will live life with a sense of entitlement.

5. If you don’t respect yourself, how can you respect others?

6. Its only three words use them. Say “I love you’’ to your child. You will be amazed when they start to say it to you first.

7. Read to your child. It’s never too early or too late to start, just do it.

8. Talk to your kids about drugs, alcohol and violence. Teens are continuing to be creative. There is a new report that teens are drinking hand sanitizer to get drunk because it has a high concentration of alcohol. If you don’t have the answers about drugs or alcohol then tell them you don’t know but you will find out the answers.

9. Talk to your child about his/her day. Your child wants to know that you are interested in them and their life when they are not with you. Don’t forget to ask about Bullying and how they are being treated in school and or by their friends.

10. Eat dinner as a family. Studies have shown that family dinners have a great positive affect on children. Good time to ask “how was your day’’

11. Providing a child with a home filled with love goes a long way. It doesn’t have to be large and fancy, just comfortable and filled with people who love one another.

12. Be the good example you want for your child.

They do what we do, not what we say!

13. Spend uninterrupted time with your child. Don’t text, answer email, update your Facebook, etc. every second you are with your child. Here is something to think about when your child is asked to draw a picture of his family. Will he draw a picture with his parents sitting there on the phones or parents playing? Enjoy their time with you as a parent. Have fun with them; show them you can be a kid yourself.

14. Volunteer at their school, their sports team, music, scouts, whatever it is they do. You are showing them that what they do matters.

For more information call Wholistic Health and Wellness Program 613-575-2341 ex.3100.