A very popular spot on the Home page menu of Parenting Tips with Dr. Sally is “15 Musts.” Here they are again in a more “comment-friendly” spot. Any ideas for how to use these tips effectively? If so, please share. One parent suggested printing the list, cutting apart the tips, and then posting them individually in different places around the house. Others have enjoyed having the whole list to post for reference. No matter how you decide to use it, I hope you will benefit from these well-researched principles designed to empower your child from the inside out!

Dr. Sally’s Guide to Building Your Child’s Inner Strength and Outer Success

1. Give on-going approval without using the words “good job, good boy,” or “good girl.” Acknowledge specific actions or notice real attributes without praising. Your recognition is what will generate genuine feelings of self-worth in your child.

2. Point out your child’s uniqueness regularly. An endearing smile, a great laugh, or any gesture of kindness are all signs of individuality. Enjoy all such characteristics as they emerge.

3. Make “please” and “thank you” part of your child’s world. Children learn to use these words by hearing them often.

4. Think positive and believe in your child. What you think of your child is what your child will think of him or herself.

5. Remember that “misbehavior” is really “mistaken behavior.” Always make time to teach your child how not to make the same “mistake” again.

6. Help your child work on his or her skills and abilities everyday. They build confidence.

7. Focus your child’s eating plan on protein, whole grain breads and cereals, vegetables, and fruits. Exclude sugar when you can, and decrease fats as much as possible. Use olive oil for cooking when you have a choice. Nutrition plays a huge part in your child’s health,  and it worth every effort to make it as good as possible.

8. Make sure active play is part of your child’s day.

9. Have a consistent bed time for your child. Start it with quiet activities for winding down and then allow ample time for “falling” into restful sleep.

10. Set up schedules as much as possible and reap their rewards. With less time needed to focus on routines, you will have more time to engage in productive endeavors.

11. Make a regular time for creative play. You will see how natural it is. Play is a child’s work, and toys are the tools.

12. Let music, beauty, and organization create a calmness and serenity for your family. Your home is your castle.

13. Carry on a positive relationship with your child’s teacher. Knowing that the two of you are in communication, your child will feel secure.

14. Make sure your discipline is “fair, firm, and positive.” “Fair” is when you make your expectations clear. “Firm” is how your words mean what they say. “Positive” is the way you love through all you do.

15. Start attachment and bonding as soon as possible. They lay a foundation for loyalty and trust.

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