ABCs of Parenting

© Jo Frisbie von Tiehl, 1996

A is for Accountability. Hold your children accountable for their behavior.
B is for Boundaries. Set specific limits and make clear the consequences if those limits are exceeded.
C is for Consistency. Hold to the same principles and practices.
D is for Discipline. Never discipline in anger and make the punishment fit the crime.
E is for Example. Set a good, honest, and loving example. Parents are the primary role models for children.
F is for Forgiveness. Practice it, and teach the importance of forgiving.
G is for Giving. Teach the joy of giving, not only to family and friends, but to others in need.
H is for Humor. Keep your sense of humor and promote laughter with your children.
I is for Imagination. Be creative and play with your children. Make up stories and songs with them.
J is for Justice. Be as fair as possible.
K is for Knowing. Know your children's friends and their parents. Get to know your children's teachers.
L is for Listening. Listen to your children. Their thoughts will give you insights.
M is for Morals. Be sure your own standard of conduct is sound.
N is for No. Use it and mean it.
O is for Outdoors. Provide as much outdoor activity as possible. Teach respect for nature.
P is for Pressure. Reduce the pressure on your children, but expect high standards of behavior.
Q is for Questions. Pay close attention to your children's questions and give simple answers unless more detail is requested.
R is for Respect. Show respect, teach respect, and earn respect.
S is for Source of Strength. Share your own faith or beliefs with your children.
T is for Togetherness. Have special designated times to be together as a family, but also know when to let go.
U is for Uniqueness. Understand the uniqueness of each child and then help that child be who he or she is.
V is for Voice. Be mindful of your tone of voice. It can convey more to the child than the words spoken.
W is for Words. Choose them carefully and always keep your word.
X is for eXamine. Examine constantly and be aware as you guide your family.
Y is for You. Take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. A happy parent helps a child to be happy.
Z is for Zowie! Who would have thought they could grow up so quickly!