Last week I heard a podcast on The Parenting Experiment with guest Tom Sturges, who had so many great tips for parents. He's actually written a book called "Parking Lot Rules & 75 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children".
Tom Sturges was talking on the P.E. about his work with high school students and how every Wednesday he goes to a high school and is a mentor for at-risk kids. But it's not the teaching that's important, it's the inspiring, the listening to their troubles and just being there. Amazing.
One of the rules he had that applies for teenagers is one that I personally will apply to Amal when he grows up: No Questions Asked - which is a rule that is used when your child is somewhere he/she doesn't want to be in but is too afraid to ask to be picked up because he/she knows you would get mad. Now, with this rule, they can just say: "Hey mom, "no questions asked" rule, please come and pick me up". It might be frustrating but at least your child will be safe.
Ok, so I looked him up on the internet and on his website, he has some rules that I find quite helpful and just thought I'd share with you:
Rule #1: Parking Lot Rules
Whenever you are in a parking lot, your children must stand right next to you.
Whenever you are in a parking lot, your children must stand right next to you.
Rule #3: Grow The Tree You Got
We must separate our own expectations from those of our children.
We must separate our own expectations from those of our children.
Rule #5: Once Seen, Never Unseen
Protect your children from sad sights that will stay with them forever because once seen, never unseen.
Protect your children from sad sights that will stay with them forever because once seen, never unseen.
Rule #9: Make Life Promises and Keep Them
Inspire your children to believe and trust you; make life promises and keep them.
Inspire your children to believe and trust you; make life promises and keep them.
Rule #14: Yes-Not-What: (The) Leslie Bricusse Rule
Leslie Bricusse is a great songwriter ("Goldfinger" and "Candyman" among them) and one of the most polite men in the world. Whenever he hears his name called out, he always answers "Yes" or "Yes, my love..." Try this with your children, and whenever they call out to you, answer them Leslie Bricusse style and always say "Yes!"
Leslie Bricusse is a great songwriter ("Goldfinger" and "Candyman" among them) and one of the most polite men in the world. Whenever he hears his name called out, he always answers "Yes" or "Yes, my love..." Try this with your children, and whenever they call out to you, answer them Leslie Bricusse style and always say "Yes!"
Rule #18: (The) Five Best Times To Talk To Your Child
Best time to talk to your child: 1)Bath Time 2)Drive Time 3) Bedtime 4) Wake-up Time 5) Anytime they want.
Best time to talk to your child: 1)Bath Time 2)Drive Time 3) Bedtime 4) Wake-up Time 5) Anytime they want.
Rule #22: When You Get Upset, Whisper
Rule #26: (The) Whisper Game
Use the "Whisper Game" to remind children that they do not need to shout to be heard.
Use the "Whisper Game" to remind children that they do not need to shout to be heard.
Rule #29: Reverse Dinners
"Reverse Dinners" can break the monotony of too many healthful green vegetables and make eating fun again.
"Reverse Dinners" can break the monotony of too many healthful green vegetables and make eating fun again.
Rule #32: The Significance of a Firm Handshake
Teach your child to give a firm handshake early on.
Teach your child to give a firm handshake early on.
Rule #35: Please And Thank You Races
Please and Thank You Races tell your child the importance of being polite and well-mannered at a restaurant table.
Please and Thank You Races tell your child the importance of being polite and well-mannered at a restaurant table.
Rule #37: Angels Angels Everywhere
Tell your children that there are angels everywhere to teach your children to be patient and understanding with those who are different from them, particularly people who are enduring difficult circumstances.
Tell your children that there are angels everywhere to teach your children to be patient and understanding with those who are different from them, particularly people who are enduring difficult circumstances.
Rule #42: Dog Tags
Have your child wear "Dog Tags" especially for a trip that lasts several days in a foreign city.
Have your child wear "Dog Tags" especially for a trip that lasts several days in a foreign city.
Rule #54: (The) Power of Forgiveness
To make a foolish mistake is what children do. Let the power of forgiveness guide your parenting.
To make a foolish mistake is what children do. Let the power of forgiveness guide your parenting.
Rule #56: Five Non-Violent Yet Very Effective Punishments
1) Silent Treatment 2) Do Not Go To Your Room 3) The Writing Punishment 4) Make Him Apologize 5) Have Your Child Run Laps
1) Silent Treatment 2) Do Not Go To Your Room 3) The Writing Punishment 4) Make Him Apologize 5) Have Your Child Run Laps
Rule #62: Squeeze My Hand As Much As It Hurts
After an injury, let your child squeeze your hand as much as it hurts for them.
After an injury, let your child squeeze your hand as much as it hurts for them.
Rule #63: Do Not Rush To End The Tears
When your child is in pain, just hold him in you arms and let him cry it out. There should be no rush to end the tears.
When your child is in pain, just hold him in you arms and let him cry it out. There should be no rush to end the tears.
[image found on Stephmodo]
