R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

In Parenting It Is a Two Way Street

Reasonable ― Keep requests reasonable and realistic. Consider age, ability, and situation when deciding what is reasonable to expect from a child at any given time. Understand and appreciate both your child’s strengths and weaknesses when assigning chores or planning activities.

Expectations ― Provide clear and simple expectations. Understand that your child first and foremost wants your approval and love and will do everything possible to meet expectations most of the time. Remember to be flexible from day to day and child to child, as no two situations or children are alike. Rules about safety are an exception and should not be negotiated.  

Support ― Be your child’s biggest cheerleader―it’s part of your job. Your child needs to know that you will step into a situation if you are needed but will stand back if you are not. Praise your child for doing something well, but beware empty praise that loses its meaning to a child quickly. Remember what your child wants most is time with you and simply being there is a show of support.

Power ― Assert your power as a parent when necessary. It is your job and if you don’t do it, your child will happily do it for you! You will do more harm than good if you let your child run the show. Following through on limits is crucial to defining roles and boundaries within a family.

Enjoy – Find joy in the day-to-day moments of parenting. High fives, hugs, and kisses go a long way. Parenting is a process, not a destination. Focus on the fun in the journey. Take time to be silly, laugh, sing, dance, go to the park, or fly a kite.

Cooperate – Cooperate with the other adults in your child’s life. Work with other caretakers to create consistency rather than confusion for your child by having similar expectations and rules across settings whenever possible. If you disagree with your child’s teacher, discuss the issues with the teacher in private. Undermining other caretakers (even if you disagree with them) can sabotage a child’s chances for success and lead to confusion and failure.

Teamwork – Think of your family as a team. A team performs best when all its members are valued, involved, and working toward the same goal. Find ways to involve your child in day to day chores rather than trying to work alone. Every family member, no matter how small, can play a role in any situation.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Reasonable ― Keep Requests Reasonable and Realistic

Expectations ― Provide Clear and Simple Expectations

Support ― Be Your Child’s Biggest Cheerleader

Power ― Assert Your Power as a Parent When Necessary

Enjoy ― Find Joy in the Day to Day Moments of Parenting

Cooperate ― Work with Other Adults in Your Child’s Life