101 Secrets of Effective Parenting

Secret#26 Teach your children to count their blessings, appreciate the many gifts that life and nature has bequeathed them. Once they start believing that they are 'gifted', it will bring about a sea of change in their world view.

Secret#25 Once you've become a parent, you'll need to define your priorities clearly to yourself. It will help you make tough choices choices confidently, and not tear you apart emotionally, every single day.

Secret#24 Having a fixed pattern in our humdrum lives lives often allows ennui and monotony to set in. So, as a parent, every now and then, you should break the pattern, giving your children a nice surprise or escape from everyday life. In the joyous moments of freedom, you can lay the foundation of a deep, lasting bond together.

Secret#23 The world is resounding with infinite possibilities. Indeed nothing is impossible. So let your children's dream be as colourful as possible, do not contain their exuberant wings. Teach them to dream big, and keep their faith too.

Secret#22 Appreciate your children's effort if you want the positive change in them to be long lasting.

Secret#21 Don't be anxiety ridden that your child displays childish behaviour- that is only natural. Enjoy these playful days in the morning sun to the fullest, as days later they may bring their own worries.

Secret#20 Demolish the myth the positive changes inevitably take a life time to come about! If your children suddenly exhibit a positive trait, don't assume that it is temporary. Make note of it, encourage them- and wait for the result- the change will be here to stay.

Secret#19 When you are on the 'Seven Day Mental Diet for Parents', you mustn't let any negative thought about parenthood come to you. if such a thought does manage to slip in, you must do the exercise all over again!

Secret#18 If you always run your life according yo the clock, there will be no variety in it, no spontaneity, nor excitement. Creativity will not flourish thus. Teach your children the ability to manage time, but don't let them be managed by time.

Secret#17 Observe the dynamics between your children and you. Are your reactions always on cue, do you always react in a manner they have learned to expect? Are you a toy in their hands? Then here's the solution- Break the Pattern! You will notice a marked improvement in their behavior.

Secret#16 Parents, you need to choose your identity depending on the need of the hour. So, be flexible in shifting between various positive parental ideals.

Secret#15 If you stand up for your rights, then your children will not have to be theoretically taught this quality. Remember parents, the best way, to teach is through example.

Secret#14 Parents, do understand that your teenaged children often turn to their friends with their feelings because in them they find a reflection of the immediacy of their intense emotions. However, that does not mean that they have no need for you anymore. It is time for you now to take them seriously, as young adults, while simultaneously forging a deeper bond by spending more time with them,...

Secret#13 Never disengage from active involvement in your children's lives, even as they are about to enter teenage years, never 'go into a coma'. Remember they need you more during these emotionally challenging years.

Secret#12 Ask Yourself: Have you imprisoned your children in any way, pinned them down in your mind? Act upon and change that scenario immediately- Set your children free.

Secret#11 Choose to inspire your children through stories of someone they know about, someone close to their heart; relating to the hero makes a world of difference.

Secret#10 Among the many stories that you tell your children, remember to particularly include some inspirational ones.

Secret#9 Though you'll be tempted, don't succumb and give your children particularly special treatment when they are ill. That might be a reason why they'll take longer than necessary to declare themselves fit, and resume their normal routine.

Secret#8 Think about all the positive things that your children have done, and if you haven't already, then express your appreciation for it now. This will help them build their self esteem for sure

Secret#7 Consciously promote a sense of high self esteem in your children. That is the only sure fire way that will protect them from the many harsh words or hostilities, which this difficult world of ours might hurl their way!

Secret #6 Parents, watch what you say. Don't say or suggest anything that would promote a sense of self-pity in your children. Beware of creating a victim.

Secret #5 Be a coach to your children. This means that you should neither simply be a spectator watching from the sidelines,. nor should you play the game for them. Help them perfect their skills, and especially enable them to learn to fight for themselves.

Secret#4 Sometimes if you see your children struggling with something, don't jump to do the task for them. Be by them, give them courage, learn to let them experience odds. Let your children grow up to be tough people. As Robert Schuller says- "Tough times don't last, but tough people do!"

Secret#3 Academic education is only one aspect of your children's overall development. Help your children develop life skills too.

Secret#2 Both life skills and study skills are important for your children to be successful and to become well rounded individuals.