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If you can't afford a baby sitter just get one of those dog leashes that dig into the ground and just tie your kid up in the back yard all day. They'll be safe AND have fun.

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Well, I've told this one before but - potty training: rub their nose in it and then a spank to the bum. Hey, it worked for the dogs! My youngest was using the toilet at 2 months. :stunned

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Love then unconditionally.

 

Eat together.......and yes, at the table.

 

Don't expect them to wrap their head around an idea it took you 30 or 40 years to figure out.

 

The key to discipline is consistency.

 

Help them learn to listen to ol' timers - their stories about the past will help them learn to respect the present.

 

Despite what you might think, they hear every word you say.

 

 

 

 

....just sayin'

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Love,patience,try to set a good example.

 

Listening good music (all kind of music),reading good books,eating all kind of food.

 

Help them to learn some skills :with English,Spanish,a big smile and the magic words (please,thanks),they can run around the world...

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parenting tips...well, I sure could use some! :) But since my oldest is only 8 and youngest is 3, my advice consists of the early years.

 

If you are a new parent, with your first child/newborn, there is one book which I consider gold. Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child, author is Weissbluth and also happens to be a Chicago pediatrician. This book is essential for baby, mom and dad. Sleep is the secret to getting through the first 4 months. There are a lot of sleep books and philosophies out there, but IMO, this is the best. The Ferber method did not work for me.

 

If your baby is a spitter, put them on their tummy to sleep. No one talks about it, but everyone does it, just be smart about it. Firm mattress, obviously, and fyi, the risk drops after your baby is 4 months old. Around 3-4 months I gave each baby a little lovie, a small, soft one they can't hurt themselves with, and it gives their little hands something to hold to help them relax as they PUT THEMSELF TO SLEEP. With my first child, I put her down and said the rosary because I was so afraid of sids, by the 3rd baby, I just did it, and maybe said a few hail mary's. :)

 

As your kids get older, a wonderful book to have is The Blessing of a Skinned Knee. A Parenting book based on Jewish teachings and it is wonderful for every parent. Parenting is a challenge every day so I always like to have books like this.

 

and my last random tip,(I'm in a hurry and can't think of much more right now), there are 2 things our kids don't have a choice on. 1- They have to learn how to play piano first before any other instrument they try out, and 2- our kids must learn how to swim and be strong swimmers. Everything else is optional. If you are looking for a good swim program in the chicago area, pm me. Everyone has their own issues what they feel is important for their kids, go with your gut!

 

OH, and someone mentioned it up above, but the family meal time is HUGE. Unfortunately not every family can do that, but our kids love love love picking the dinner choices and then all of us talking about our days at dinner, if you can't do it every night, try and pick a couple nights to do that. I think that is really sweet.

 

Oh, and 1 more thing, ( I thought I was going to stop) but this is another random thought, but I have noticed this as I am from a big family and seem to be surrounded by big families. There is something really special about big families and siblings, it teaches kids compassion, selflessness and many other things they can not learn from a book. There are pros and cons to everything, but if you are a parent trying to decide whether or not to have another child, I say GO FOR IT. It's hard when they are little, but really, that time flies and they will thank you for it when they are older.

 

Parenting is THE hardest job, but it can also be the most FUN.:)

 

Donna, I need to e-mail you! :cheekkiss

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My only tip is that anyone considering becoming a parent should make damn sure they really want to do it and that they understand what they're getting themselves into.

 

I did that, and wound up deciding not to become a parent at all. ;)

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Love then unconditionally.

 

Eat together.......and yes, at the table.

 

Don't expect them to wrap their head around an idea it took you 30 or 40 years to figure out.

 

The key to discipline is consistency.

 

Help them learn to listen to ol' timers - their stories about the past will help them learn to respect the present.

 

Despite what you might think, they hear every word you say.

 

 

....just sayin'

 

That is the one that continues to surprise me. We have a 16 YO daughter, and she will debate / argue with everything anyone tells her when she hears it. But she processes it, and you can always tell (later) that it sunk in. It still amazes me at times.

 

Those are all really good, btw. To add a couple:

 

Pick your battles. Consistency is key, but not everything is a federal case...

 

Make sure that they feel comfortable bringing their friends to your home.

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I'm not a parent and probably won't be for a very long time, but from being parented, I will say: don't be afraid to stand your ground. But don't be afraid to give a good reason as well. But don't be surprised when your kid gets mad anyways.

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:rotfl

My feelings on the subject is that when they're old enough to ask for it by name, they're too old to have it.

 

Why? Our Lily will be two in almost exactly one month, has been able to ask for it by name for quite a while, and shows no signs of stopping - I'm just wondering how you came to this conclusion.

 

"The World Health Organization recommends that after an "initial 4-to-6-month period of exclusive breast-feeding, children should continue to be breast-fed for up to 2 years of age or beyond."

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I will say: don't be afraid to stand your ground. But don't be afraid to give a good reason as well. But don't be surprised when your kid gets mad anyways.

This pretty much sums it up. Can't win for tryin' most of the time.

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