Parenting Tips

Raising children is hard, and no one can do it alone. There are many ways to get good parenting advice. The library would like to be a place for advice through the books we have in a designated section called, "Parenting Collection", where you can browse and take home a book or magazine to read. 

You can also look online for our Kidding Around blog where we occasionally list our New Parenting booklists. We have books on issues like discipline, potty training, eating problems, bedtime and many more other books on a concern you might have.

*Show your Love. Everyday, tell your children: "I love you. You're special to me." Give lots of hugs and kisses.
*Listen when your children talk. Listening to your children tells them that you think they're important and that you're interested in what they have to say.

*Make your children feel safe. Comfort them when they're scared. Show them you've taken steps to protect them.

*Praise your children. When your children learn something new or behave well, tell them you're proud of them.

*Criticize the behavior, not the child. When your child makes a mistake, don't say, "You were bad." Instead, explain what the child did wrong.

*Be consistent. Your rules don't have to be the same ones as other parents have, but they do need to be clear and consistent to everyone that comes into your home.

*Spend time with your children. Do things together, such as reading, walking, playing and cleaning the house. What children want most is your attention. Bad behavior is usually an attempt to get your attention.

Looking for a place to start?  Our Parenting Collection is on display through the end of the month.  Stop by the 2nd floor and take a look.