5 Parenting Tips To Help Your Children Succeed

As a parent, your life changes forever when you can no longer help your child with everything that life throws at them. You realize that they are people in their own right. Even if their challenges are small and simple to you, they are still the biggest things your child has ever faced. One of the best things that you can do for your child is to teach them how to succeed, and there are a few things that can help.

1. Lead by Example.

Show your child the kind of person you would like them to grow up to be. If you are angry and frustrated, they will learn how to act that way. If you are kind, generous and thoughtful, and if you set goals and work hard, you may find that they will try to emulate that behavior!

2. Prepare for the Big Academic Challenges.

Some kids ace every test, and some fall behind if you don't keep an eye on their study habits. Be invested in your child's schoolwork, and remember that most of success is simple preparation. For example, the PSAT is an exam that can help them prepare for testing later on, and resources like http://barronstestprep.com/psat/ are designed to help.

3. Be There for Them. No Matter the Situation.

No matter where they are, they should be willing to call you for help and to know that you will give it. For example, if your child is at a party and their only options for leaving are to get an unsafe ride home or to call you, they should be able to call you and know that you'll be there for them. Be clear that your first priority is always their safety.

4. Teach Them to Help.

One thing that frustrates young children is that they can't always do what they'd like to do. Savannah hasn't always been able to help around the house in a way that she has wanted to help. This has frustrated her. This frustration can make a child cranky and angry with themselves, but it all changes when you teach them how they can help. Show them how to identify chores they can do or needs in others. Help them to see how they can be help - if they can. Helping is something that can give your child a feeling that they can change things and affect the world in a positive way.

5. Praise Their Hard Work

Praise how hard your child works. They may not have cleaned the floor or table in the same way you would have - but let them know that their hard work and effort was appreciated.

Your children are very important to you, but it is essential to be your own person as well. Show your child that you have passions and hobbies, and if your child is interested, share it with them. In the end, it does not matter what you do so long as you are excited about it.

There are no guarantees when it comes to raising children. All you have is the ability to offer them your resources and your spirit. Be willing to be gentle with them, to be tough when you need to be, and to always love them to the best of your ability.

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What my motherhood has taught me about your motherhood

Growing up and long before I had children of my own - I knew exactly how my motherhood would be.

My kids wouldn't dare talk back to me.

My kids would be allowed to be children, but when I said to quiet down - they would understand and obey immediately.

I'm clean and organized, so my children would be as well.

I'm a quiet person, so of course my children are going to be quiet.

If they did step out of line, a stern look from me would send a shiver up their spine and they would straighten up before I had a chance to say their first, middle and last name.

Scream and throw a fit in a store? They would never do that!

They would be appreciative of what they have and where they were able to go.

They would say "please" and "thank you".

They would not yell for me, scream for me - repeatedly... from the other side of the house.

I would get to go to the bathroom all by myself.

My bathroom time would not be interrupted with constant inquiries of "Mommmy?" "Mom?" "Mommy?" "MOM!"

Exercise? Yes, my kids are going to let me exercise in peace!

They will know that mommy enjoys her quiet time.

When I'm brushing my teeth, the kids will not begin to ask a thousand different questions and earnestly await my reply.

Run out into the road and through the parking lot? Never!

Now, my children must have known all of the above expectations in which I set many years ago. They've reviewed them. Thought about it. Crunched some numbers... and decided that their childhood didn't match up with my motherhood.

"We are going to take a different route" they whispered to each other.

So, I've had to let go of a few things. Namely - my perception on motherhood.

Motherhood isn't about me. Motherhood is about their childhood.

I'm sure I could drive myself {and my husband and kids} crazy trying to keep things perfect and everyone's behavior perfect. Oh but what type of stories would I have to tell my grandchildren?

So, what has my motherhood taught me about your motherhood? That I have no idea what your motherhood is like! Each kid comes equipped with their own little personality and imagination. If your child is screaming in the middle of a store... I will not look on with disgust. I will only hope that I can go another week without it happening to me.

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What motherhood has taught me about being a perfectionist

The toughest lesson that motherhood has presented and that I have tried desperately to keep far from me - is that perfectionism does not apply.

I want every item in my home to have a place and be in its place. How practical is that really when having children? I've always enjoyed homes that look like homes and not a museum in dedication to one's sense of style - where children don't even seem to exist in the house.

I'm not sure that every item has been in it's place at any one time throughout my motherhood experience.

In college, I prided myself for getting my to-do list accomplished. Now, it grows without end. More items are added than are ever crossed off. That's okay. My children having my attention is far more important than finishing a project that won't matter in the future. My attentiveness will.

My children's rooms are very lived in. My son's imagination soars and it is difficult to ever pass a toy on to another child - as he uses everything for something. He is forever building forts, stores, etc,... in his room.

My daughter is always creating something new. Necklaces. Artwork. Potholders.

My furniture and home aren't what I had always imagined my perfect home to be.

Now when I say my perfect home - I do mean that every corner was scrubbed and dusted. Drawers organized once a month. No hair left in hairbrushes or combs. Tooth brushes scrubbed and kept clean during the 3 months you were allowed to keep it. Bathroom cleaned daily.

Trying to have a home that qualifies for a home decor magazine while raising little ones - is just too much. At some point, reality has to set in.

Every time I turn around, there is a new glob of toothpaste on the bathroom sink.

There is a tiny hand print on the wall.

Cracker crumbs seem to appear as if out of no where all around my kitchen table.

My feet are slowly becoming Hot Wheel and Lego proof.

Savannah denies writing her name on furniture and underneath the table.

Joey has placed tape on every wall of the house.

My home is filled with the love of children.

Yes, there are a few rooms that must remain organized, like our homeschool classroom and the kitchen. Yet, these rooms seem to always be in a state of reorganization as items in them change constantly.

I look back on early motherhood and the years prior to it. Perfectionism dominated. Whether it was my clothes, my body/weight or workspace... it had to be perfect. How overbearing and annoying. Thank you to anyone who remained a friend.

I was recently in a situation where I had the pleasure of experiencing a perfectionist personality who repeatedly {and out loud} reminded herself that the way I was doing something was okay. It was okay that I hadn't done it how she thought it should be done. A very peculiar situation to say the least. Yet, she was seeing that her way - didn't equal the only and right way.

The perfectionist in me still struggles to want and fight for her way.  Maybe she will one day rage again.  But for now, my kids leaving a drawer open - is okay.  Every toy does not have to be put away at night and kids jumping from one toy to another is fine - that's how the imagination works.  Crayon on the floor?  Big deal!   At least it isn't in the dryer - again.

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How to Survive Motherhood

As challenging as motherhood is, it's worth it!

How to Survive Motherhood

1. Sit down. Take a deep breath. Look at your children and realize that you will never get these moments back.

2. Schedule time to spend by yourself. You are not neglecting your children by spending time away from them. You are helping them by helping yourself.

3. Seek the counsel and advice of trusted mothers you know. More than likely they have experienced what you're going through and can help.

4. Join a mother's group. There are several online communities, such as Bloggy Moms that are great for talking with other moms.

5. Keep a schedule. If children can have an idea of what to expect, they'll be easier to handle. Example: 20 minute warning for bedtime.

6. Always keep the children in mind when scheduling a shopping trip or outing of any kind. Plan to eat before you leave, and what to do if they do find themselves hungry or thirsty. Though the outing may not be smooth sailing, it is easier when it is planned.

7. Plan exciting and exhausting activities. An hour or two at the playground can help give you a more peaceful night.

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