Written by Seanne Larson Emerton @ Family Resources of Greater Nebraska

I get lots of parents in my office wanting to know what they can do to help their kids “turn out.” What do they really mean? Usually they mean they want their kids to grow up to be independent, successful, healthy and happy and they want specific parenting guidelines to help that happen. Of course a lot goes into raising kids that “turn out great” but here are some “in-a-nutshell” tips.

•  Help your children learn they are not the center of the universe. Teach and show empathy and social responsibility for others.
• Teach your children respect for others by showing it yourself.
• Expand your child’s world so he/she is aware and embracing of its diversity.
• Teach your children boundaries by having good boundaries yourself. Help them learn it’s not okay to always interrupt or to be the center of attention all the time.
• Be clear about what values are most important for you to instill in your children. Then be mindful of your words and actions and check in with yourself to see how they are aligning with your values.
• Teach your children how to have healthy relationships by modeling that for them. Sometimes relationships that aren’t healthy need to end. Talk to your children appropriately about that if need be.
• Teach your children trust by being trustworthy yourself.
• Teach your children responsibility by showing them you are responsible and they can count on you.
• Teach your children balance by taking care of yourself in healthy ways.
• Teach your children how to make good choices by making them yourself.
• Teach your children Love, by showing love in your words and actions and by showing them how to love others.

Remember that your children learn more from your actions than your words.

(feature photo source)