This parenting tip comes from my daughter, Andrea. Andrea is raising two daughters, ages 8 and 10. Here is her tip:

Use Formula, First This, Then That. For example, 'First finish your chores, then you can go out and play.' I believe this teaches children the important lessons of self-discipline and frustration tolerance." 

I like this formula because it teaches children the habit of responsibility too. Some people call it delay of gratification which means, you must get something done before doing something fun. The First This, Then That  Formula helps children  to be productive and feel good about themselves. Perhaps if some adults had learned this type of self-discipline and frustration tolerance at an early age,  there would be less adult problems like addictions. What do you think?

Do you have a parenting tip for elementary age children that you'd like me to share here at Minti? If you needed it edited, I can easily do that for you. Email me at: JeanTracy@KidsDiscuss.com  I'd love to see it.

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Hi Parents,

This tip is from my cousin, Carol. She raised 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 girl. She has a caring manner and amazing experience. Here is her advice:

Be Helpers. Teach your children to help each other from the time they are little. When they are older they won't be alone in the world and can depend on each other when they need to.

This is great advice for any family. It was especially important to Carol, whose mother died in childbirth. Carol had a deep bond with her older brother and sister. They meant the world to her. This is why she has taught her children to help one another too.

Parents, do you have a parenting tip for elementary age children that you'd like me to share? Email me at: JeanTracy@KidsDiscuss.com  I'd love to see it.

Subscribe to my FREE Parenting Newsletter at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

This tip comes from my friend Gene Hawkridge. His public speaking always shows respectful consideration for his audience. Gene raised several children. Here is his parenting tip.

Listen respectfully. I believe in listening to kids with respect. When one of my children complained about the other, instead of brushing them off, I would investigate and ask them questions. Today they are young adults and I am very proud of them. -Gene Hawkridge, Father and Engineer

This parenting tip takes patience. I'm sure I didn't live up to Gene's standards. My fear was in listening to my kids griping about each other, they'd increase their griping. I didn't want to be the judge and jury. My guess is that Gene sifted through the complaints and decided which ones to investigate.

How about you? What are your thoughts about listening to your kids complain about each other?

Parents, do you have a parenting tip for younger children that you'd like me to share? Email me at: JeanTracy@KidsDiscuss.com  I'd love to see it.

Subscribe to my FREE Parenting Newsletter at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.