No parent is a perfect parent including moi. We all make mistakes, even though we mean well.  As a children’s book author, I am around families quite often. As you may know, I am quite observant and tend to pay close attention to what is going on around me – especially in public places. I have seen the good, the not so good, the bad and the completely shocking. I thought it would be interesting to list what I believe are the top 5 BEST parenting practices.

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Communication – A good parent not only listens but also provides an environment conducive to open dialogue. You want your child to be able to tell you what’s on her mind. As a parent, you also want to be honest with your kids, and speak to them in a way that is NOT patronizing. There are some things you may not want to discuss with your kids, but a good parent is aware when a child can sense that something is wrong. Kids need information when they are concerned, and a good parent will give it to them.

Respect - Your child will respect you if you respect him. A respectful parent disciplines with love and does not embarrass her children in public places. I personally do not believe in hitting children for any reason EVER. If you hit them, spank them, etc you should expect and accept that they will do the same to others. The children I have known who have been spanked on a regular basis, have the worst ongoing behavior. I am also not a fan of yelling – unless, of course, the house is on fire.

Criticism - No one likes to be disparaged, and it is not productive. A good parent knows this, and will correct a child’s negative behavior with loving discipline. Your child will not feel secure growing up in a critical environment, where the child feels he can rarely do anything right. Many parents who criticize their children, were criticized themselves as children (and hated it).

Setting an Example – A good parent teaches her kids about what is right and wrong through dialogue, but takes it a step further by setting a good example. A good parent is kind to others and demonstrates a proper moral code. If you don’t want your teen to drive like a maniac, you shouldn’t drive like one either. If you’d prefer not to have a cheater as a child, don’t be one yourself. A parent cannot expect his kids to stay away from smoking and other unhealthy behaviors if that parent practices those behaviors himself.

Discipline – By FAR the best parenting practice is following through with discipline.  If your child does not behave or fails to follow expected rules, and you have laid out the consequences, by all means you must follow through. Failing on a parent’s part to follow through with disciplining his child, creates a spoiled, disrespectful kid. Later that child will become a miserable adult who must always get his way. Kids need boundaries, and good parents set them.

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