2011 Most Viewed: Disturbing video obtained by the Star-News offers an inside look at Pasadena-based children’s boot camps. Read more: www.pasadenastarnews.com

Parenting is really hard and there are some skills that, if you do not possess them naturally, you need to work hard to develop as you go. May parents just raise their kids the same way that they themselves were raised and this is not something that always yields the best results. In this article, we are going to look at some of the most important skills that all parents need to acquire.

As a parent, one of the most important duties you have to your children is to set a good example for them to follow. It is a lot easier to simply tell your kids not to do or to do something than it is to be a good role model but this is what they need the most. Kids learn best from observation not words so make sure that your actions match your words.

When you’re a parent you’re naturally the first and most important role model your child will have and if you set a really good example, your children have a much better chance of living up to the standards that you set for them. For example, you will find that if you tell your kids not to swear but swear all the time yourself your kids are more likely to use profanity themselves (in spite of your telling them not to).

Every parent feels frustrated, angry or just plain overwhelmed at times. When this happens, it’s time to take a break. You need to put some provisions in place so that you have options for childcare when you need a little breather. This person can be your partner or a family member or a friend or a babysitter whom you trust. Ideally, you should have more than one person on your list, as not everyone will always be available. Even if you’re not at your breaking point yet, it is important to take time for yourself sometimes. Sometimes there isn’t a lot of time to have but even a fifteen minute walk around the block can help you renew your perspective. You’ll make a lot better parent if you take some time for yourself and do not try to be a perfect parent 100% of the time.

Many kids today get into the habit of spending every spare minute in front of the TV, computer or on the phone. For this reason, one of your parenting skills should be the ability to instill the ability to value free play. Beyond the regular organized activities you’ve signed them up for, do not forget how valuable playing at the park or on a playground or having play dates with other kids can be. Research shows that kids who don’t play enough are prone to social problems like aggression, ADD and depression. You can encourage this by having family days on the weekends that involve lots of outdoorsy stuff like swimming and hiking.

The tips here are some of the most important skills you will need if you want to be a good parent to your kids. Every parent has areas that are challenging, and this will vary based on the personality of your child as well as your own. It is important to remember that parenting is a long process and that it changes some every day as your son or daughter grows up and that putting some solid guidelines in places is helpful both to you and your kids.

Yes, I am aware of the existence of speed bumps any time you are looking for solid advice about kid’s birthday party. Nothing so out of the ordinary with that scenario; I guess it is just the nature of information on the net. But this is just a matter of making sure you are following information you can trust. Detailed descriptions with examples are available when you visit Planning a birthday party. It will be valuable to read-up about birthday party, as well, because that is a great augment to the rest of the information. That is something that will give you a wide angle view – just like the lens.

Description:

New York Times bestselling author, internationally known clinical psychologist, and lecturer Wendy Mogel returns with a revelatory new book on parenting teenagers.

Mogel’s sage advice on parenting young children has struck a chord with thousands of readers and made her one of today’s most trusted parenting authorities. Now, in a long-awaited follow-up, Mogel addresses the question she hears most frequently: what to do when those children become teenagers, when their sense of independence and entitlement grows, the pressure to compete and succeed skyrockets, and communication becomes fraught with obstacles?

With her warmth, wit, and signature combination of Jewish teachings and psychological research, Mogel helps parents to ably navigate the often rough journey through the teenage years and guide children to becoming confident, resilient young adults. By viewing the frustrating and worrisome elements of adolescence as “blessings,” Mogel reveals that they are in fact necessary steps in psychological growth and character development to be met with faith, detachment, and a sense of humor rather than over-involvement and anxiety. Mogel gives parents the tools to do so and offers reassuring spiritual and ethical advice on

• why influence is more effective than control.

• teenage narcissism.

• living graciously with rudeness.

• the value of ordinary work.

• why risk is essential preparation for the post–high school years.

• when to step in and when to step back.

• a sanctified approach to sex and substances.

An important and inspiring book that will fortify parents through the teenage years, The Blessing of a B Minus is itself a blessing.

Amazon Price: $15.00