Parenting Tips from Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

This parenting tip comes from my cousin, Carol. Carol raised 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 girl. She is a grandmother now and helps out with her grandchildren. I respect Carol's experience and her tip.

Carol's Tip:

Teach Responsibility. From the time they are three years old, give them chores according to their age. ~ Carol DeHarness, Mother and Grandmother.

I like this tip because responsible kids become responsible adults. Age appropriate chores prepare kids for life. They help kids feel connected to the family in a meaningful way. They teach family values too.

Sometimes getting kids to do their chores can be a problem.  That's why I created the Chore Chart Kit. It helps parents decide which chores to teach, chore charts to keep track, and rewards to offer, like special time with parents.

Letting kids play before they do their chores teaches irresponsibility and lessens self-discipline.

Try this parenting skill when want to teach responsibility with chores:

Using the formula, "First this, then that..." is a must when children want to go out to play, watch TV, play video games, etc. before doing their chores. For example, a parent could say, "First make your bed, then you can go out to play."  It is so simple. Frequent use of this formula builds self-discipline and responsibility in kids. It also insures that the job gets done. Of course, sometimes this formula needs to be set aside, but rarely.

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If you want help getting your kids to do their chores check out our Chore Chart Kit at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com too.

Parenting Tips from Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6

Singing songs for building character and teaching family values:

To quote William Shakespeare, "If music be the food of love, play on."

Teaching family values with songs is a fun way for building character. Singing songs with kids creates laughter, love, and joy. Action songs like London Bridge, Ring Around the Rosey, Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and I'm a Little Teapot are lots of fun for young children.

For older children, campfire songs, folk songs, and tunes learned at school continue the delightful connection between you and your child. Why not sing in the car, on a walk, or inside the house on a rainy day?

Shakespeare is right. Music is the food of love. One more thing, songs are a delicious way for teaching family values and influencing character.

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Parenting Tips from Jean Tracy, MSS, and KidsDiscuss.com for grades K-6:

This Parenting Skill comes from my friend, Dr. Lyn Criddle. Lyn has been a close friend for 30 years. She is an outstanding counselor with huge private practice.

Building character by being honest - Tell your kids what they do well. Also tell them what they need to improve. Be kind in your approach. Being honest increases their self-esteem when you give them compliments. Being honest can also motivate them to make improvements on what they need practice.

For example, if your child brings home a bad grade in spelling, you might say, "Honey, you're a good reader and, if you  work on your spelling, I know you can be a good speller too." ~ Lyn Criddle, PhD, ARNP

I like this Parenting Skill because it is truthful. It doesn't put your child down and it doesn't overdo praise to the point of sounding phony.

How do you tell your child the truth about his/her talents? I'd love to hear from you.

Treat your family to our Parenting Skills Kit  and, if you subscribe to our Free Parenting Newsletter, you'll receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids at KidsDiscuss.com

 All my best with lol,

Jean Tracy, MSS