I believe if I practice these resolutions I will be a better parent and you can be also.
1. Pray for my children each day. I believe God is in control of each of our lives, parents and children and He cares for each of us. We are uniquely created by Him and He knows our cares and concerns. I have found that prayer changes attitudes, both mine and theirs. Each of them have specific needs. Tell God about it, we are in this together.
2. Give them positive praise daily. A quote often repeated is, “it takes 3 positives to cover 1 negative.” I am sure each of us as parents can find three positive actions to compliment each of our children with. It may be as simple as returning dirty dishes to the sink after a meal or picking up dirty clothes in their bedroom. Praise them for being kind to another sibling or saying, “thank you” when it is appropriate. Yes, there will be times for correction and they are necessary but praise can easily overcome the negative. Plenty of other people are more than willing to add the negatives.
3. Show physical affection. How many of us grew up and seldom were shown affection or told, “I love you.” Some of us have trained ourselves to do it for our children. If you say it, show it. Everyday we need to tell our children we love them and show it with a hug. I try do it 3 times a day, first thing in the morning, when they leave for school, and at bedtime. Many other occasions present themselves when a hug of appreciation is appropriate. When they accomplish a difficult task give them a hug. When they get down on themselves, they will need a hug to know you care. Our teenagers may think they have outgrown hugs but if done daily they will look forward to them. My 17 year old grandson still sits on my lap expecting a hug.
4. Let your children know you support them. Emotionally they need to know you are with them. When they have done their best congratulate them. If they struggle with some issues let them know you empathize with them even if you do not understand it all. Physically be there for them in person. Attend their school events and let them know you are proud of their performance. Physically be with them in their disappointments. Cry with them when they cry letting them know it breaks your heart to see them hurt. Another note of support is to acknowledge when you are wrong and admit it to them. Ask forgiveness and let them know that you make mistakes also..
5. Become a student of my child. Get to know the child intimately. Know the characteristics of their age group. Do they measure up? If not, why not? What are their individual likes and dislikes? What are their individual temperaments? How do they respond to different situations? What is their most effective discipline? How do they respond to praise and correction? They are my children and I should know them
better than anyone in the whole world.