Parenting Tips

Children are naturally curious and love to play. You can combine these two traits to foster a love of learning. Children also learn through imitation. When they see you reading, studying and learning, they observe that learning is important. Share exciting new insights with your child or special news events. Your child might not be as excited about it as you are, but it sets an example of lifelong learning.

Understanding the relationship between responsibilities and privileges can help children to lead happier, more successful lives. One of the best ways to teach this concept is to help kids see how this relates to their lives and to give them hands-on experiences that will help solidify their feelings on the subject. At-home practice and parental involvement can also be an excellent way to enrich your lesson.

Your kids spend many years under your protection and supervision. It can be difficult to encourage independence in them as they grow, but this is a necessary rite of passage. To help prepare your offspring for adulthood, teach self-sufficiency and responsibility to your kids. These important life skills will help ensure future success, because your children will have realistic preparation for the challenges and difficulties that await them as adults.

Children of every size and shape can benefit from increased physical activity. Through exercise, your child can gain the health benefits of stronger bones and muscles and lower blood cholesterol levels, as well as a decrease in blood pressure and in the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes. Children can enjoy other benefits as well: better sleep, better concentration and the ability to better handle life's emotional challenges. Of course, getting kids to exercise can sometimes be a challenge. Making it a fun, natural part of the day is the key to success.

Many kids naturally hit an independent stage, but some children hold back in certain situations, preferring to stay near a parent instead of tackling the situation solo. An independent child feels confident in his ability to tackle a task, is self-motivated and knows how to make decisions, according to "Psychology Today." The way you treat your child and encourage his independence affects how comfortable he feels when he doesn't have mom and dad to do something for him.

Reading is a learned skill that grows better with practice. To get your child to read more, and become a better reader, engage his imagination and natural curiosity. Associate reading with doing something fun. Even children who prefer energetic, outdoor activities will enjoy reading books about their favorite things to do. Present your child with a good mix of subject matter and don't underestimate the power of pictures. Graphic novels and audio books can help engage interest in reading.

The more children read, the more they want to read because it becomes easy and fun. However, some children get in the opposing habit of not reading and not wanting to read. With lack of practice, their skills stagnate and reading becomes work, not fun. As a parent, you have a unique opportunity to motivate your child to read more and read better.