Four Tips for Improved Parenting

Today’s parents are busy.  Some days seem to never end and then it’s right back to the same routine tomorrow.  But what if tomorrow was slightly improved by simple changes you can make in your daily routine?

Below you will find four tips for improved parenting and a simpler life.

Tip One: Routine

Although routine can be tedious and boring, you need it.  You may already have it given that your children need to be at school on time and you need to be at work, so make it your friend.  Instead of thinking of routine as tedious and boring, think of it as the thing that keeps your children from sleeping too late or not getting their homework done.  If you don’t have a routine, create one.  Help your children wake up on time, eat breakfast, and be prepared for school.  Eat dinner at the same time each night and make sure your children know when they need to shower or take a bath.  Set up specific time for homework and help your children if needed.  Consistency should be one of your best friends.  It will help you manage your day and will keep your children under control.

Tip Two: Make Car Time Quality Time

Use the time in the car to talk to your children.  Find out how their day went and be interested in their school activities.  Attempt to stay off your phone and pay attention to your children.  Ask them to put away their video games and resist playing a movie in the dvd player.  Use this time to bond with your children.  Share your joys and frustrations with your children and have them share theirs.

Tip Three: Meal Preparation

Involve your children in planning meals.  Allow them to pick meals they would like to eat once a week and then invite them to cook with you.  You can also plan special meals or nights out during the week at your children’s request.  Make sure you eat dinner at the table with no television at least once a week.  This is quality time that your children need and probably want if you aren’t already doing this.  Also, have your children help you make their lunch for the next day and teach them about healthy choices as you do this.  As a parent, you are one of the most influential people in your child’s life.  Take advantage of this position.

Tip Four: Play Together

When your children go outside to play, go with them.  Take a bike ride or color with sidewalk chalk.  Ask them what they would like to do and then join them.  Play a game of football or soccer in the back yard.  Involving the neighbors is a great way to meet new families and develop support from other adults.

You’ll notice that each of these tips is related to activities you already do, like drive in your car and cook dinner.  Adding your children to the mix may seem like it will complicate your activity, however, your children will appreciate being included and spending quality time with you.  When your children feel supported and loved, they behave better, and what parent doesn’t love that?

Always remember, you do not have to do it alone. Indianapolis counseling services are available to help you be a better parent and to help your family grow stronger.

Indianapolis Family Therapy

Four Questions for Family Planning

Indianapolis Family TherapyAt some point, most couples desire to have children. Some couples have children early in their relationship and others wait years before starting a family. Regardless of when you decide to have children, one fact remains constant: kids change everything. Adding a child to your relationship is extremely exciting and a natural part of life, but children can also be challenging and may cause you to lose sight of your once perfect relationship. If you desire to have a family but are unsure if you are ready, check out the questions below.

Question One: Are you ready to focus on someone else other than yourselves?
Don’t be ashamed of being selfish when it comes to your relationship. The first years of a relationship set the stage for years to come. Most couples set their communication and behavioral patterns in the first years of a relationship, so it’s important that you like what you see. If you think you need some work, talk to each other or set an appointment with a counselor. Make sure your relationship is healthy before you bring a child into it. It’s also important to invest in your relationship and partner. It’s okay to be selfish and want time to yourselves. Once you have a child, your time together will quickly diminish. Wait to have a baby until you are ready to dedicate yourself to its care.

Question Two: Are you financially able to support a child?
Children are expensive. Period. Infants have numerous needs and will definitely change your monthly budget. Financial preparation is a consideration when desiring to have a child. No couple can completely plan financially for a child, but it is a necessary part of your decision. Be smart about your finances. Don’t assume that after you have a child your finances will magically be okay. Know how you will financially care for your child and have a plan to help cover expenses that a child will add. If you are struggling financially as a couple, fix your finances first, then have a baby.

Question Three: Who will care for your child?
Creating a plan for childcare before deciding to have a child is essential. Will one of you need to quit your job to stay home with a baby? Have you planned financially for daycare or preschool? Do you have a friend or family member who will be caring for your child? Figuring out who will watch and care for your child is important. Your financial situation will be affected if one of you needs to stay home. Details will need to be figured out if a friend or family member watches your child. Or you will need to budget monthly childcare expenses into your finances if your child goes to daycare. Make sure you have a safe, secure plan for childcare before having a child. If you can’t afford childcare or do not have a friend or relative to watch your child, you may need to wait to start your family.

Read more: Four Questions for Family Planning

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