Parent Like You Mean It, But Don't Be Mean

When we say parent like you mean it, we mean do it with gusto.

Put your whole heart in it.

Teach life lessons.

Help kids learn to handle life's disappointments and BIG feelings, so they are ready to take on the world.

Listen.

Support.

Build a relationship with your child that will weather any storm or difficult time.

Act like the person in the bigger body with the bigger brain.

Teach problem solving and self-regulation.

Smile.

Always let your children know they are loved.

Be kinder than you have to at all times, even when you are setting limits. This is not an oxymoron.

When you make mistakes, say so. Forgive your child when they make mistakes.

Laugh. A lot.

LOVE. Love some more.

The End.

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Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD, is  the founder of Kidlutions and co-author of BLOOM: 50 Things to Say, Think and Do with Anxious, Angry and Over-the-Top Kids. She is the creator of numerous workbooks and resources to help from the preschool through the teen years. Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! She'd love to see your smiling face there!