The Power of Positive Parenting:
11 Guidelines for Raising Healthy and Confident Children

1.  Give Children Warmth, Acceptance and Respect

• Praise good behavior.
• Encourage your children.

2.   Enjoy Child Development and Be Alert to
      Special Needs

• Learn about the different areas and stages of child development.
• Read child development books, visit parenting websites like www.babycenter.com or www.parentcenter.com.

3.   Use Fair and Firm Leadership

• Remind children of the rules.
• Give clear instructions in a firm voice.
• Whenever possible, try to find solutions that are agreeable to both you and your children.

4.   Avoid Spanking and Verbal Abuse

• Take time out when things get heated.
• Talk - Discussing the problem and reminding children of the rules.
• Take a breath, and remember you are the adult.

5.   Start Early in Preparing Children for School

• Read to your child and tell them stories
• Become a partner in your child's school

6.   Create a Home Life that Supports Education

• Find out what teachers expect
• Set an area aside at home for studying

7.   Be an Active Partner in Your Children's School

• Make sure your children get to school on time.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences.

8.   Teach Children About Their Own and Other Cultures

• Expose your children to other cultures through books and by visiting their local library.
• Make friends with people of different cultures.

9.   Take Charge of Your Child's Media Exposure

• Limit how much and what your children watch.

10.  Set a Good Example for Life-Long Learning

• Set goals for your own personal development.

11.  Maintain a Healthy Life Style

• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get enough rest, relaxation and exercise.
• Have regular medical check-ups.

(Dr. Kirby T. Alvy, Ph.D., founder of the Center for Improvement of Child Caring - www.ciccparentling.org)