Parent Tips

Wednesday 19 Jun 2013

Parent Tips

Here are some ideas on how you can Be There for your child. The ideas can be adapted to any age group.

Have your child help you sort the laundry. Make up a story together about the “laundry monster” who likes to confuse people with look-alikes.

While eating dinner, ask your teen a question to stretch his/her imagination, such as “If you were the smartest person on earth, what would you use your intelligence to do?”

In the grocery store, tell your child he/she may pick out three items to take home, but they must contain less than 10 grams of sugar each.

When driving in the car, ask your young child to find the letters of the alphabet in signs your pass. With the teenager, ask them to help you calculate how many miles per gallon you’re getting with each automobile you drive.

At the ATM or bank, help your child determine how long it would take to save $ 2,000 if you put $5 in a savings account each week. Ask your child what he/she would do with that saved amount?

While shooting hoops or playing cards, ask a caring question, such as: “How did recess go today?” Or, “How was your science test?”

When making a salad for dinner, let your child choose the ingredients.

Read a story to your child. Before you get to the end, ask your child how he/she thinks it will end. Or, if the main character walked through your door today, what would you say to it?

As a surprise - leave a caring note in your child’s lunchbox or under his/her pillow that says you are proud of your child and love him/her.

Share Your Tips Below On How To Connect With A Child.

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Comments (6)

When riding a bike, measure the distance and time and have your son or daughter calculate average mph.

When doing laundry, ask your child to pour the detergent and show them how to save water by using the right amount of water depending of the size load. Children love to help if you give them a chance to do it themselves. My 11 year old daughter enjoys doing laundry, and it helps her to be responsible of her own laundry and will make her aware that she is to know if she needs clean clothes for the next week.

Teach your child to express himself. Let him know he can say anything and feel safe. Ask direct questions such as, "Is anyone being mean to you at school or in the neighborhood?" A bullied child may never say a word no matter how close you are.

Ask your child to read a book to you and ask follow-up questions about the story.

When planning daily meals, ask your child which vegetable would they prefer or what color vegetable to cook with the meat of the day.

When a child ask you a question, answer with more than one or two words.