25 Great Parenting Ideas

1. Believe in your children so they can believe in themselves.

2. Turn accomplishments (big ones and little ones ) into a celebration .

3. Praise your kids in public (but make sure not to be embarrassing).

4. When they come home dirty, say it looks as if they had a great time.

5. When your children talk to you, turn off the TV or put down the newspaper so you can give your complete attention.

6. Get down on the ground and play with your kids, even if they're big.

7. Be patient when they're talking. Don't keep saying, "Hurry up and get to the point."

8. Give your little ones an appreciative smile or hug when they're gentle with animals.

9. Treat your children to a soothing foot massage. It will relax them and give the two of you some special time together.

10. Bestow sweet nicknames on them to use only in private.

11. Show how pleased you are when they're kind to younger kids.

12. When your family is out to dinner or at home, let your children invent and deliver a toast.

13. Learn how to say "I LOVE YOU" in sign language, and send "secret" messages to one another.

14. Notice your children's bright ideas.

15. When your kids are home alone after school, call from work just to say "I LOVE YOU."

16. Secretly wink at one another when you are in public, especially in a serious environment.

17. Give each of your kids one beautiful rose tied with a ribbon.

18. Thank them for showing respect to the elderly.

19. Share stories of something positive or wonderful that you each accomplish every day.

20. Sing, dance and get really silly together.

21. Let them know how much you like the way they're growing up.

22. Take a class together.

23. Tell your kids what they've taught you.

24. When your children admit the truth about something they have done wrong, be sure to express thanks for the honesty.

25. Speak to them as if all the angels could hear you