Safety Net's Top Parenting Tips Child Safety Week 2013 Listening and learning
Talk to your child about things he/she is interested in and share aspects of your day with your child. Remember, a conversation has two sides, speaking and listening.
When your child wants to show you something, stop what you are doing and pay attention to your
child. It is important to spend frequent, small amounts of time (30 seconds to 1 minute) with your child doing things you both enjoy. Try to create a safe, interesting environment at home. Check regularly that you update toys and books as they grow and learn. When your child approaches you for information, help or attention, they are often ready to learn. Try to hold back from telling them the answer – instead encourage them to work it out with your support. This helps them develop skills to think for themselves. Boundaries
All children need to learn to accept limits and to control their disappointment when they don’t get
what they want. Managing these situations can be challenging for parents. Set clear limits on your child’s behaviour. Sit down and have a family discussion on the rules in the home. Children learn self-control when their parents use consequences for misbehaviour immediately and consistently. If your child misbehaves, stay calm and give them a clear instruction to stop and tell them what you would like them to do instead (eg. “Stop fighting; play nicely with each other”). Praise your child if they stop, follow through with an appropriate consequence if they don’t.
When minor misbehaviour (whining, silly words) gets attention, children are more likely to do it again. Try to ignore this sort of behaviour and as soon as it stops, give your attention. Giving children instructions
Think about how you give your children instructions. Make sure you are in the same room when you give an instruction, use your child’s name and check you tell them exactly what to do.
Children need to be told in advance what is expected of them in a particular situation. Discuss 2 or 3 simple rules with them. For example, a rule in the supermarket may be to stay close to the trolley. Remember to praise your child for following the rules. Children enjoy being praised. Use descriptive praise to encourage behaviour you like. For example, “Thank you for playing quietly while I was on the phone.” This tells your child exactly what you are pleased about so they are more likely to behave that way again for you. Look after yourself
It is difficult to be a calm, relaxed parent if you are stressed, anxious or depressed. Try to find time every week to let yourself unwind or do something that you enjoy.
Times when we are out and about with our children are often the most stressful. Try to plan ahead for times out of the house. Have activities to keep children occupied on journeys. Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves. No one gets it right all the time. Be kind to yourself and remember, everyone makes mistakes and we learn through experience.
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