This means to be engaged and not on your phone. Don’t just think you are hearing your kids, make sure that you listen to what they are saying intently and thoughtfully. Be honest and yes, this may need to be audited to be age appropriate. Explain yourself clearly when it is appropriate. You have a different lens that you are looking through than your 10yr old is looking through. Be patient.

Model the behavior that you wish to see in your kids as they grow up to be successful adults. Pursue your best life while they are watching. Take care of yourself by eating healthy, getting enough rest, working out, spending time in God’s word and taking time to be with family & friends.

Focus on the way each child is developing and adapt yourself to them. See your child for who they are and at what age they are. Understand each child will need a different version of you. There is so much growth for is as parents if we can adapt to each child and show up the way they need us to.

Everyone needs structure to follow. Kids thrive in structure. They know what to do and when to do it, Once things are executed to the design you set your kids will begin learning responsibility, time management, accountability and to be an advocate for themselves. As parents it is our task to manage our kids while they are young so that they will grow up and know how to manage themselves. The best way is to use consequences for actions not punishments. Your kids will be able to connect the dots better —-of the behavior and consequence connection. Do not be a passive parent!

Be that parent that your kids can count. Don’t say something and not follow through. I understand life gets busy but if you make plans with your kids or if you tell them you will do something, keep them and follow through. When kids feel constantly let down, it sends them a message that they don’t matter. Consistency really matters with discipline. If you follow through some days and not others, your kids will behave some days and not others. Yes, there is a correlation. Remember, only make promises that you can keep.

This is so important. Work hard to not compare your kids to one another. Each child is as unique as a snowflake and as parents, we must see each one as individuals. Not to mention the pressure that younger siblings will out on themselves to live up to or try and “be better” than the older kids. Even if you are cognizant of not comparing, they will do it to themselves.

Be intentional with spending time with each child. Find out what they want to do and take each one out on a date. Mom and Dad can both do this and make it special. It shouldn’t be an after thought. I did a survey of some of our teen ambassadors and this was one of the things they loved most. The special one on one time with each parent. It doesn’t mean that they are seeking more attention. It means they are needing a connection.

Being able to apologize to your child is the best way to teach your child empathy and humility. It doesn’t matter if you are the parent or not. Displaying this level of humility with your children will show them the importance of the act of apologizing.

This one is really tough for parents these days. They want to bubble wrap their kids, give them their hearts desires and pave the way. How about instead of preparing your child’s path - you prepare your child for their path. Think about this one long and hard. There are so many lost life skills when you rush in to save them or you aren’t willing to let them feel disappointed or loss. Life lessons can only be learned through experience. It is the greatest teacher.

Your children grow up so fast. You will blink your eye and they will be moving out and launching into the world. Parenting can be so daunting at times. I understand but be willing to let loose a bit and have fun. It is important for your kids to see you light hearted and having a good time.