Raising Happy, Healthy Kids
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Stressed Out?

Stress comes from a variety of places in our lives, but there are some ways we can reduce the stress of parenting. Each one of the following techniques will reduce the negative interactions you have with your child:

 

Technique #1 — Praise, Praise Praise
Technique #2 — Establish Family Rules With Your Children
Technique #3 — Nurturing Rewards and Punishments
Technique #4 — Establish Routines
Technique #5 — Your Presence is Their Present

 

The key is consistency. Praise your children each day. Follow through with the family rules, rewards, and punishments each day. Establish routines and stick to them. Give your child your undivided attention each day, your presence is their present. If you have not parented this way in the past, you may initially see an increase in negative behaviors from your child as you begin to institute new ways of managing his or her behavior. This is just a test. You will need to center your energy, stay calm, and continue to be consistent. Eventually the new ways will become habits.

 

* If stress in your daily life is causing you to feel irritable with your child, you may want to try the following:

* Take time for yourself each day (this is easier to do if you have a routine at home).

* Prepare lunch and bookbags the night before.

* Organize and get rid of junk.

* Babyproof and/or childproof your home.

* Prioritize what is important and say "no" to that which is not.

* Adopt a new attitude and let go of what you can not change.

* Ask for help when needed.

* Allow your child to love the other parent (for those who are not together).

* Surround yourself with positive people whenever possible.

* Express your feelings on a regular basis using I — Statements.

* Choose appropriate ways to get your needs met.

* Model the behavior you want to see in your children.

* Get counseling if none of the above works.