Valentine's Day Tips from the AAP

Each year, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers parents help to show love for their kids. Some of my favorite are that you: Use plenty of positive and encouraging words with your child. Try to avoid using sarcasm or mockery and get rid of put-downs from the words you use as a parent. Children often don't understand your purpose, and if they do, these messages can create negative ways of talking and connecting with each other. Make an extra effort to set a good example about how to connect and talk with other people at home and in public. Use words like "I'm sorry," "please," and "thank you. When your child is angry, grouchy,  or in a bad mood, give him a quick hug, cuddle, pat, secret nod  or other sign  of affection he responds to, and then consider talking with him about the event when he's feeling better. Use non-violent forms of discipline. Parents should start using both rewards and restrictions many years before adolescence to help establish ways to encourage strengths  and address concerns during the teenage years. Allowing children of any age to constantly break important rules without being disciplined only encourages more rules to not be followed. Make plans to spend time alone with your young child or teen doing something she enjoys on a regular basis. Consider sending a Valentine's Day card to your older child or teen. Think ab...
Source: About.com Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: news