The Emotional Environment
1. Ensure each child feels safe to express his/her feelings.
2. Keep family drama away from the kids. It’s okay for the
children to see parents disagree as long as no one is verbally abusive
and it ends peacefully as this can model positive skills, but if you
can’t keep from shouting and insulting, keep it away from the kids.
3. Sibling squabbles are to be expected, but make sure it
doesn’t get out of hand. If a sibling is feeling bullied or being hurt
physically or mentally, you need to step in and set clear boundaries.
4. Avoid comparing your children to each other and to other
children. Each blooms in his or her own time and comparisons
only serve to tear down self esteem.
5. Respect your children. Listen to them and take them seriously.
Make them feel like a valued member of the family unit.
6. Accept all feelings and teach children how to manage
their emotions. Emotional intelligence is a big key to success and
happiness.
7. Create and respect healthy boundaries.
8. Allow children age appropriate decisions, responsibilities,
and independence.
9. Be fair and reasonable in your discipline. Choose positive
parenting which is shown to have the best outcome overall.
10. Allow them to be who they are and nurture and love
the child you have.
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