I find this book very helpful for busy mothers like me. The tips may seem simple but isn’t the most simple things the hardest to notice? The first time I saw this book I said “Yeah, as if I don’t know how to raise my child” but when I started reading I couldn’t put it down, I even checked it out of the library to continue reading at home. Below are the first 25 tips in the book 501 Ways to Boost your Child’s Self- Esteem.
501 Ways to Boost your Child’s Self- Esteem
Robert D. Ramsey, Ed. D.
- Start your child off right. Don’t give her a silly name or initials that will cause a lifetime of embarrassment.
- Hug your child every day.
- Save the best twinkle in your eye for your child.
- Catch your child being good.
- Don’t expect consistency, logic, unselfishness, or other miracles from a small child.
- Sometimes when there’s a conflict between work and family, choose family.
- Don’t’ spend much time on “what ifs” and “if only” in raising your child.
- Really listen to your child. Don’t interrupt or finish his sentences. Pay attention to all the words and the feelings behind them. Real listening is a lot more than just being quiet, waiting your turn to speak.
- When your child need comforting, don’t worry about messing up your hair or wrinkling your clothes.
- Show your child positive ways to calm down.
- Make a big deal of birthdays. They commemorate the gift of a new life.
- Don’t’ expect every lesson to be learned the first time.
- Spend as much time as you can outdoors with your child. Bonding flourishes in the fresh air.
- Listen to your child’s nightmares.
- Show respect for your child’s favorite stuffed toy.
- Don’t end the end with an argument.
- Accept that it’s ok not be a perfect parent. It will reduce pressure on both you and your child.
- Don’t always bring work home. It gives the impression that your job is more important than your family.
- Realize that sometimes your child cries for good reason and sometimes just for the effect.
- Realize that even little people can be brokenhearted sometimes.
- Always give your child a second chance.
- When he’s little, interrupt whatever you’re doing and tuck your child into bed every night.
- Don’t get hung up on what’s “normal” for children your child’s age.
- Don’t treat all your children exactly alike. They don’t need all the same things.
- Observe and listen to your child at play to pick up clues on how he views himself and you.
