A to Z of Parenting

• A ccept your child for what he/she is, not what you want him/her to be.
• B e consistent in your behavior towards the child.
• C riticise the deed, never the doer i.e. the child.
• D o activities together as a family.
• E ncourage sibiling harmony by not comparing them.
• F ollow through if you make threats.
• G ifts can never be a substitute for your presence.
• H itting teaches your child to hit others.
• I nstill values in the child by being a role model.
• J oy of eating together at least one meal helps in bonding.
• K eep increasing freedom as your child becomes responsible.
• L ove your child completely and unconditionally.
• M otivate your child with praise instead of criticism.
• N egotiating with your child is not a sign of weakness.
• O ffer suggestions but let your child make the decision.
• P articipate in events which are important to your child.
• Q uit labeling children as “naughty boy” or “clumsy girl.”
• R estrict television, video and computer games.
• S pend time with your child with diversion.
• T each your child that choices have consequences.
• U se bedtime to discuss what has happened during the day.
• V isualise what qualities you want in your child as an adult.
• W ork out a routine and follow it.
• X cite the child’s interest in books by providing material.
• Y our child needs limits to make him/her feel secure.
• Z estful fun of the child’s short-comings lowers his self esteem.