10 Key Parenting Tips

Everyday they spend raising the children of Dubuque County, parents have the hardest and most rewarding job. Dubuque County Empowerment wants to help. Watch throughout this booklet for 10 key parenting tips from Amy Smith, a case manager with the Visiting Nurse Association. And hug your kids today!

Tip #1 Validate Your Child’s Feelings
Give your children your undivided attention when they are communicating with you. Their feelings are real!

Tip #2 Provide Opportunities for Children to be Responsible
Not only are chores shared, but it also gives children a sense of power and self esteem.

Tip #3 Use Natural Consequences
Children learn best from experience. If you allow children to see the consequence of an inappropriate action, they will be less likely to repeat it.

Tip #4 Use Logical Consequences
When natural consequences are not an option, use logical consequences. Make the consequence relate to the inappropriate action. Your children will realize how their action negatively affected someone or something if they need to remedy the situation by helping to fix or pay for the broken item, help the person they hurt, and so on.

Tip #5 Discipline to Change the Child’s Behavior, Not the Child
Encourage children always to be comfortable with who they are. Remind your children they are loved, but their behavior needs to change.

Tip #6 Keep Your Cool
Do not get into power struggles with your children. You’ll only end up in frustration and conflict. If needed, remove yourself from the situation and resume the conversation when both you and your child have “cooled off.”

Tip #7 Be Firm With Commands
Provide your children with clear and concise messages. Don’t end your commands with “okay?”

Tip #8 Be Consistent and Follow Through
If you stand firm, your children will know what to expect if they fail to follow directions and family rules.

Tip #9 Praise/Reward Your Children Whenever Possible
When your children are well-behaved or do something positive for themselves or someone else, be sure to commend the behavior. The more you pay attention to it, the more you’ll see of it.

Tip #10 Spend Quality Time With Your Children
Make the time you have with your children count. They are only small for a short while. Enjoy their innocence and teach them the positive traits that you have to offer.