Page 13 - Parenting Pamphlets

Time Out!
„ Don’t take it personally. All kids act out
and say things – “I hate you,” “you’re
mean,” “I can’t stand you!” Stand your
ground and don’t get mad about it.
„ If you’ve said something to your child
you regret, admit your’re wrong and
apologize. Kids will learn from your
example, and they like to see parents in
the wrong once in a while.
Try This at Home...
Make a new family tradition. Traditions
are activities you routinely do as a
family. It can be something as simple
as going out for ice cream after a
school event, making a special meal
one night a week, having a game night,
or taking your child on a special date
on the first Saturday of the month. The
point is to spend special time with your
kids, building trust, doing things as a
family, and making memories.
Connecting with Teens Listening and talking are the most important things you can
Parents and teens often have a hard time talking to each do to create a good connection between you and your kids. A Parenting
healthy family life means you talk to your kids and interact
other. They each see things from a different point of view. with them every day, about all kinds of things. It also means No. 4
Teens are trying to figure out who they are and want to you can put aside your own problems and give them your
be more independent. Here are some suggestions for support.
connecting, even when you or your teen may not want to. Most school-age kids and teens will tell you that there are
„ Be involved– show interest in their activities and things they just can’t talk about with their parents. Why? Because they think
friends. Know what’s going on at school and after
school. their parent’s won’t listen, won’t understand them, or will over-react to what they say.
You can build strong relationships by:
„ Be open and honest—Take time to talk and listen. Building Trust - You build trust by listening to what your kids say. Being honest with
Tell them how you feel about things and make time to
listen. your kids so they believe what you say. Start talking with your children about tough
topics at an early age, and they will
„ Respect his or her privacy. feel comfortable coming to you with
„ Trust them to make some of their own decisions. Reality Check... concerns when they are older. Be
„ Offer opinions and help without lectures or supportive of what they need and
be sure to follow through on any
judgements–You may not agree with their choices, ©2022 Learnovation®, LLC
but you can give help and advice. 8 Show your child respect by paying promises you make.
Making the Most of Your Time -
„ Give them your full attention— It’s easy to sit and child, he or she will repeat your For Evaluation Only Connecting with Kids Talking and
attention and listening to what they
Take time to really connect with
half-listen to someone have to say. your kids. If you spend 20 minutes
as you are making 8 You are the role model for your in the car with them a day, turn off
dinner or watching TV. your phone, turn off the radio, and
Push the pause button actions, emotions, and ways of talk with them instead. Ask their
on the remote and really communicating and think they are opinions, talk to them about what
listen.
normal. you’re doing and what they are
„ Give them space— doing. Be there for them when they
Sometimes your kids 8 Positive words and actions build are looking for advice and want to
just don’t want to talk,
and that’s OK. trust, angry words and hurtful talk.
actions create fear and resentment.
Commit to spending time together
8 If you’ve said something you regret with regular family dinners, game
Disclaimer: to your child, apologize. Admit your night, trips to the zoo, or the park.
Learnovation®, LLC’s mission is to empower people to improve mistakes and kids will show you Controlling Your Own Emotions -
their own parenting skills. This information is intended to serve more respect. When the topic is tense, we tend to
as a general guide of parenting principles and strategies. It is not over-react. Be willing to talk about
intended to address individual parenting issues, nor should it be 8 Spend time doing things together anything and everything. Stop,
taken as legal, personal, or other advice. as a family.
breathe, and listen.