5 Steps to Building a Happy (and Healthy) Family - By: Adella Klein

Once you’ve decided have children, being a good parent becomes the single most important part of your life. As a parent, you’re shaping a human being and everything you do will now have a direct impact on your children.

Follow these five easy steps to family success:

1. Plan Family Activities. A family that plays together, stays together. Okay, that may sound a little cliché, but it’s true. Whether they’re babies, toddlers or teenagers, kids love getting out of the house and doing something fun. Planning annual vacations, playing sports together (mini golfing, bowling etc.) and having weekly movie nights are all great ways to make the most of the time your family spends together.

2. Be a Parent and a Friend. When it comes to your children, you’ll need to find a balance between being their enforcer and their friend. While it’s your job to make certain rules, it’s also your job to instil a trusting relationship with your children (especially when they hit their teenage years) so they feel comfortable coming to you when they need help. If your children are being honest with you (even if you don’t like what they’re telling you), make sure you tell them how much you appreciate their openness.

3. Teach Your Children about Sex Education. Sexual education can be an awkward topic between parents and children. And, while schools are doing a great job of teaching children about sexual health, it’s still your job as a parent to discuss these issues with your kids. When the time is right, talking to your children about condoms and birth control and teaching them about the importance of safe sex will help to eliminate some of their concerns and may prevent unwanted situations from arising in the future.

4. Present a United Front. If you and your husband/wife are still together, it’s important to present a united front to your children. This means keeping your personal conflicts away from your children and agreeing on decisions that are made. If you argue in front of your children, they know they can play the two of you against each other. This will cause even more conflict and will result in a dysfunctional family environment.

5. Reward Good Behaviour. When your children do something good (regardless of their age), it’s important to reward their behaviour and acknowledge that you’ve noticed their actions. Positive reinforcement is always a great parenting technique and will help your children grow up to be the nurturing, respectful adults every parent hopes for.

About the Author

Adella Klein has spent many years Parenting her four beautiful children and has become an expert on fostering a happy and healthy Family. In her spare time, she frequently contributes to OneHealthyLifestyle.com so she can share her expertise with the world.

Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Additional Articles From - Home | Home & family | Parenting