Curious Parents Parenting Resources

Parenting

How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes Parents Make
By Erin Brown Conroy

Do you read hundreds of how-to-parent books, talk to all the experts and still find yourself completely “losing it” with your kids? Chances are you are making one of the six most common parenting errors.

Just a few key errors in parenting can make life difficult. Learn what the critical mistakes are and avoid them like a barefooted hiker avoids a pricker-covered path!

As the birth parent of three children, adoptive parent of seven and step-parent of two - combined with 28 years of professional experience in the education field, here are my secrets that “work” so well they might seem magical.

1. NEVER ASK YOUR CHILD “WHY?” Most of the time, they don’t know why they acted the way they did. Stop asking and simply address the issue and teach the proper response.

2. SET REALISTIC CONSEQUENCES. Don’t use threats that are too huge to follow through on. Instead, set reasonable consequences that you’re willing and capable of following through with.

3. BE OPEN TO UNDERLYING PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL CAUSES FOR BEHAVIOR. Inappropriate behavior may be symptomatic of an underlying emotional issue. Identify and address the root issue that leads to a display of poor behavior.

4. GIVE A FIVE MINUTE WARNING. Five minutes before you plan to leave, or want your child to do something, give your child clear words about what’s going to happen. Then follow through with your plan.

5. END BEFORE “THE CRASH.” Know your child’s limit (it may be sooner than you think!) and stop while you’re ahead.

6. GIVE ADEQUATE OPPORTUNITY FOR BODY MOVEMENT. Give your child the opportunity to move. It can even help them learn better!

Erin Brown Conroy, M.A. is the author of 20 Secrets to Success with Your Child.