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  Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Monday, May 23, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Every once in a while, I come across some “food for thought” worth sharing. Such is the case when I recently attended a training about the “Developmental Assets,” positive experiences and qualities all children need for healthy development.

The “food for thought” is a list entitled “Raising Kids with Care: 50 Ways to help your Whole Family Thrive.” Enjoy. I think it’s worth a print and post on the refrigerator…

1. Take care of yourself first and you’ll take better care of others.
2. Play and laugh with your children.
3. Compliment your kids on the good things they do.
4. Let your kids be kids.
5. Admit your mistakes and say you’re sorry.
6. Turn off the TV.
7. Ask for help when you need it.
8. Trust your instincts.
9. Meet your children’s friends and their friends’ parents.
10. Accept that you don’t have to be perfect; just be real.
11. Set clear boundaries and expectations for your children.
12. Ask your kids where they are going and who they will be with.
13. Avoid doing too much; say no to some requests without feeling guilty.
14. Eat together as a family whenever possible.
15. Read aloud with your child.
16. Be excited about your child’s interest.
17. Take time to develop your own special strengths and talents.
18. Ask for your child’s opinion.
19. Spend time alone with your significant other and adult friends.
20. Don’t worry if the house is a little messy sometimes.
21. Listen to your child without always giving advice or opinions.
22. Try to find the joy in each day.
23. Say no to your child when you have to, but say yes as much as you can.
24. Be consistent.
25. Attend parent-teacher conferences and other school events.
26. Continue your own learning – read a book, go to a museum, or take a class.
27. Spend regular one-on-one time with each of your children.
28. Spend some time by yourself.
29. Be silly.
30. Do volunteer work with your kids.
31. Make happy memories together.
32. Give your kids lots of hugs.
33. Balance your needs with your kids’ needs.
34. Care as much about your own health as you do about your children’s.
35. Tell your kids how terrific they are.
36. Play as hard as you work.
37. Ask other caring adults to spend time with your child.
38. Realize we never outgrow our own need for other caring adults.
39. When your child pushes you away, given him or her space, but don’t leave.
40. Try to see things from your child’s point of view.
41. Ask your kids to help with planning a party or other event.
42. Talk to your children the way you want them to talk to you.
43. Nurture your own spiritual life.
44. Exercise together as a family.
45. Take a deep breath and slow down now and then.
46. Go to your kids’ games, performances, and other events.
47. When you are in a rut, change something about your routine to get a fresh outlook.
48. Surprise your child with something that will make him or her feel special.
49. Do the things that give you energy.
50. Tell your kids that you love them everyday no matter what.

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