Planning Your Parenting Road Map

Parenting is a job that many of us have no real training for. The demands may be a bit overwhelming, and it is normal to feel a little lost along the way. We all want to teach our children good behaviors and social skills as well as a positive relationship with our children.

This can be achieved by sitting down with your partner and coming up with a parenting road map. Older children can also be involved in this process. You literally need to grab a pen and piece of paper and outline your behavior wants. What is your definition of a good behavior? Do you want your five year-old to pick up their toys every night? What kind of bedtime routine do you envision? How will you enforce the rules?

When you are jotting down your ideas, make sure you are writing down the behaviors you do want. It is much easier to do what we are told, rather than guess what the right action is. Making a list of the hundred or so things you do not want your child to do is counterproductive. A list of desired behaviors will give the child a goal to work towards.

Wow! Once you have it down on paper and broken up into clear directions it is so much easier to visualize for you and your child. Post the list in an area that is visible to all members of the family. The next time the child veers off your parenting road map, refer to the list as a gentle reminder about your expectations. Having a clear set of directions will make your job as a parent much easier.

Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your child's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or Rewards?