1. Give your love, unconditionally.
Demonstrate that you love your children every day, whatever their age. In fact it's probably more important to do this at the times when they least deserve it.. It's not just what you say it what you do that counts. A simple smile or hug at least three times a day goes a long way toward developing and strengthening a relationship. These habits have great value in families that are stressed, and would be even more meaningful in parenting classes for divorce.
2. Understand their personality.
Many websites provide help based on personality profiles. Just Google keywords like 'personality profiling UK' and your find sites like personaliteye.com which offers a free report titled "What sort of parent are you?" The report tells you if your children are likely to see you as a 'boring ogre or relaxed and fun' and more importantly what to do about it! It's useful because the personality based report highlights your unique strengths and weaknesses as a parent. The report also gives tips on how to improve your communication skills to strengthen your relationship with your children. These habits have great value in families that are stressed, and would be even more meaningful in parenting classes for divorce.
3. Spend time together.
You have probably heard the saying "To develop their children parents should spend half as much money and twice as much time". So spend time and interact with your children, ask them for their help and when possible eat together as a family. Remember, with children there is no real quality time. There is just time and preferably lots of it. These habits have great value in families that are stressed, and would be even more meaningful in parenting classes for divorce.
4. Have defined rules and stick to them.
Stability and certainty are important for any developing child. They should know where the boundaries are and the consequences of going beyond them. Typically a 'three strikes' policy works the best. First remind the child of the rules. Secondly remind the child of the rule and reinforce the consequence of breaking it. And if that doesn't stop the behavior then take the necessary action. This helps the child to understand that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions. These habits have great value in families that are stressed, and would be even more meaningful in parenting classes for divorce.
5. Be yourself.
Let your children see that you are human. Children learn many of their core behaviors before they reach seven years old. So it's important for them to see you how you react in different situations. Show them that it is OK to laugh and cry, to be serious and silly or angry and sad. If you make mistakes share them, remember you don't have to have all of the answers. These habits have great value in families that are stressed, and would be even more meaningful in parenting classes for divorce.
6. Have special children days.
As parents we enjoy trips, visits and special events, so why not create the same thing for your children? Set aside a day where they can decide exactly what the family should do. Whether it is a trip to a playground, catching a movie or a day gardening, let them make the choices and decisions. You'll often find that it is often these family times that are the most memorable. These habits have great value in families that are stressed, and would be even more meaningful in parenting classes for divorce.
Most parents gain their experience 'on the job' and by the time they have it, it's not longer of much use. So perhaps using some of the highly effective habits will help you gain the experience whilst you are still able to use it. Enjoy the journey.