Parenting Tools

If I was to ask 100 people how to raise children, I would probably receive one hundred different answers. The truth is most likely each answer would be correct. There isn't any road map so to speak for raising responsible, well adjusted kids. Parenting varies so much between families. The thoughts we try to bring out  are tools to have in your parenting toolbox. Each time there is an issue you can pull out the right tool to assist you in solving the issue, whether it be listening, communicating better, or curving our anger.
I believe the most important and really the only parenting tip that should be universal across the board is putting parenting first. It isn't easy in this competing world with so many demands on our time to really put our children's needs first. Parents need to consciously plan and devote time to parenting. Sitting down to eat dinner together and talk about each others day is a great way to catch up with your children each day. Studies have shown that families that eat dinner together four times a week produce children with superior academic performance, improved nutrition, and increased communication. These results also show that these statistics cross racial barriers and was a greater indicator than whether the child was in a one or two-parent family.
As parents we need to remember that our children should always be our number one priority. Never lose sight of how precious they are and the importance of our time. I always try to do everything out of love when it comes to them. If its discipline or if its just talking to them I want to always do it out of my genuine love for their well being.