Tips on Parenting a Healthy Family

Be an Active Parent

• Be aware that you are always a role model to a child. They learn by watching and copying what they see.
• Demonstrate your love through actions as well as words.
• Laugh and be playful.
• Develop routines.
• Have regular one to one time with a child.
• Teach values and build skills by doing things with a child.
• Help your child learn by teaching how to do things "their way". Don't expect them to have the same level of expertise as someone older.

Encourage Communication

• Be interested in a child's life and their experiences.
• Encourage a child to talk to you about things that are important to them.
• Actively listen and encourage problem solving.
• Avoid criticizing and giving directions.
• Respect your children. Ask them what they think.

Create Effective Family Rules

• Include children in creating rules.
• Create rules from a positive perspective.
• Have as few rules as possible, be clear, and be specific.
• Choose consequences that are logical, and that you are willing to enforce.
• Take time to educate your child about each rule and associated consequence.
• Be consistent in adhering to rules.
• Be aware when it is appropriate to change a rule.

Co-parent Effectively

• Make rules together.
• If you don't agree on certain rules negotiate until there is an agreement.
• Be supportive of each other.
• Do not voice disagreement with an intervention and undermine the intervening parent if front of a child. Discuss and resolve later.

Maintain the Parent Role

• Don't lecture. Talk less, act more.
• Give positive feedback, rewards, and reinforcement for efforts and accomplishments.
• Be consistent, and don't argue.
• Follow through with rewards and consequences.