Are you a parent who wants to have a good influence on your kids? If so, you must focus on the things you do.
If you are a parent, teach your kids right from wrong. Teach them skills and moral values that will help them go further in life.
Lead by example. Do not be a parent who adheres to the rule that says, “Do as I say and not as I do.” If you do not want your kids to grow up using profanity, you must never use profanity when they are at home or anywhere within earshot. If you want your kids to eat right and exercise, do these things yourself. In fact, why not eat nutritious foods, go to the gym and take walks or ride a bicycle with them?
Use your childhood memories as a good springboard to positively influence your kids. Let them know what you did. Tell them what you learned, gained and lost from your experiences. Discuss your regrets.
Do not tell your kids it is shameful to cry. Crying helps relieve emotional pain and suffering; furthermore, it is harmful to the immune system to retain sadness and anger.
Do not let your emotions overcome you. To prevent hurt feelings and avoid giving the impression that it is okay to yell at people, refrain from screaming at your kids. Show your kids it is best to remain calm by being calm yourself.
Do not be afraid to reveal your fears to your kids. If you are taking a particular action with your kids due to fear, admit it so your kids will hopefully grow up to be open and develop a bond and trust with their kids.
Apologize to your kids when you know you have overreacted or done something wrong to them. By being a parent who can balance morality with firmness, you can teach your kids it is wrong to be too cold and proud to admit a sin and repent.
Do not smack or spank your kids unless it is truly necessary. Other forms of punishment are available; besides, corporal punishment might teach your kids it is okay to use violence when they are mad.
Use caution when expressing your views to your kids. If you harbor hate or prejudice toward a particular person or group, keep it to yourself to avoid inspiring your kids to grow up with hatred or biased feelings toward others.
Limit the amount of gifts you give your kids. If you buy something for your kids every time they ask, they probably will not learn to earn what they get.
Do not treat one of your kids much differently from how you treat his or her siblings. Kids must be influenced to realize special treatment has no proper place in society.
Incorporate the advice you have learned to have a great influence on your kids. After all, parents usually have the biggest impact on kids' development.
