Parenting

---

 Parents and caregiver are vital to the healthy development and growth of children.  We all know this, but what can we do better to enrich our children's lives?  It is important for parents to be positive role models for their children, and to help children learn more about themselves and their environment.  When children have the positive influence of a role model in their lives, they are less likely to become involved in school or youth violence.  As parents we want to feel that our children are safe and secure, and one sure way to do that is to place positive attitudes and behaviors in their lives.  Some important factors to being a positive role model include:

Nurturing:  show love and concern

• every day, tell your child you love hi/her
• show affection daily with a hug, a kiss, and/or a touch
• make time for special family fun activities
• meet your children's friends to ensure a positive influence
• spend quality time with your child(ren)
• maintain stability
• display kindness and understanding
• as a parent, be aware that everything you do, your children see and do
• share your ideas with your child
• demonstrate self-respect and self-esteem with healthy actions
• be kind and firm at the same time
• be consistent, follow through

 There are many more places to go to get ideas on parenting, child care, and mentoring.  Check out a couple of links of these subjects:

http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/SVP-0010/default.asp