The 8 “L’s” of Parenting
By Leah Davies, M.Ed.
- LOVE your child. For your child to be successful, he or she must
feel valued. Your gentle touches, smiles and hugs communicate love.
Giving
your undivided attention, especially at the end of
each day, demonstrates caring.
- LOOK for the good in your child and
make specific comments
on what he or she does well. You must believe in
your child's worth before he or she can believe it.
If you want your child to have self-confidence
and motivation, watch for positive behaviors and
comment on them.
- LISTEN, without judgment, to your
child express his or her thoughts and feelings. If
you do not listen, your child may
attempt
to gain your attention by misbehaving.
- LAUGH with
your child, not at him or her. Demonstrate a sense
of humor as you cope with life's difficulties.
Laugh and play together.
- LABOR diligently and
with pride so that your child will want to work hard,
persevere and
do his or her best.
- LEARN new information.
It is fine to say, I don't know, but then add that
you both can find out
together. Take the time to read
and thus instill a love of learning. On
car trips play word games, read or listen to
books on tape.
- LEAVE the television and
other media off. Many programs and video games desensitize
your child towards violence and contribute
to fearfulness and aggression. Place
computers in central locations to monitor internet
use.
- LIVE life to its fullest. Take pleasure
in little things like an ice cream
cone, a beautiful day or the enthusiasm of
your child. Read, pretend, dance, sing, take walks,
play games, have pleasant meals, look
at photos, share dreams, and enjoy
each other.
Remember: Your child will most likely adopt the attitudes
and habits you demonstrate daily.
Used by permission of the author,
Leah Davies, and selected from the Kelly Bear website [www.kellybear.com].
7/04
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