Most of us are experiencing some sort of challenges as parents. However, parenting is not rocket science. There is definitely a lot of common sense that needs to be carefully placed when bringing up a child. In the process, we go through some good and bad times. All parents have different manner in raising their loved ones. Personally, I would say that there is no one method that is the best. It’s the method that is useful that counts.

Below are 10 down to earth simple tips that can be used to further add variety to whatever you have been doing:

10 down to earth tips:

1. The one thing our child wants and needs the most is our time. Brief periods of intense engagement can't replace shared daily routines, nor can material advantages compensate for lost time as well. Set a daily timetable of 10 – 15 minutes to do something together; like reading a storybook or playing with the bicycle.
2. Although we do our best as a parent, but we still need to accept our imperfections. Our child will forgive our mistakes if we clearly communicate to them that mummy and daddy are human to. Talk to them, you will be surprise how matured sometimes they can be.
3. Action speaks louder than words. Watch what you do. It should always be congruent with what you say.
4. It doesn't matter what the discussion maybe. Spend time listening first before giving an answer. Children will always appreciate and respect the decision we make because they will have a perception that we actually took time to think it over.
5. Self-esteem is the cornerstone of emotional health. Our child will develop a clear and resilient sense of self only by making his or her own choices, one small decision at a time. When we try to correct a negative behavior, try to offer an alternative.
6. Always let our children know that punishment is given due to a mistake that they have made and not due to an emotional decision.
7. When our child asks a question, give a simple, truthful answer, regardless of the topic. If we don’t know – just say, “I will find out”.
8. Make it a daily priority to show respect for our environment's limited resources by collecting and separating old plastic or glass bottles, papers and other recyclable items. The child will know that we need to be also responsible to whatever that is around us.
9. Our child will form many relationships in life. Basically with friends, teachers, parents and perhaps a few stepparents – you may never know. But out of all these relationships, let them know how you view their relationship and how important they are to you.
10. Our children’s are not responsible for rewarding our parenting; that gratification comes from within. However, let them know that they to have got a role to play. “You can never clap with one hand”, so let them know what they should do but leave it to them on how they want to do it. It builds morale and self esteem within them that they now know there is a bigger role to play.

Parenting is a labor of great joys, deep sorrows and, most of all, lasting satisfaction. Best of all, have fun.

Article contributed by Learning Edge Consultants (www.learningedgeconsultants.com