Lolli here….
I became a mother in December 1996. It’s hard for me to remember what it was like back then….what was going through my mind as I held my first daughter and began my journey as a mom.
Since those first, new days of motherhood, I have spent years (15 of them!) trying to teach my kids the skills and principles they needed to become responsible, happy, respectful people. I could keep adding adjectives. I want so much for my children – there’s so much I hope that they can learn and experience – but mostly I want them to be GOOD and I want them to be HAPPY.
Parents’ Guide to Creating Wonderful People
Jennifer Berryman, a clinical psychologist, author, and mother of two daughters, recently released the book Parents’ Guide to Creating Wonderful People – How to help your children live happy and meaningful lives.
Ms. Berryman addresses several key topics in a parent’s quest to help their children grow up happy and well-adjusted in the book’s chapters:
- Attention
- A sense of self
- Self-confidence
- Coping with stress
- Coping with crises
- Kindness
- Behavior
- Learning
- Emotions
- Relationships
- Happiness
Honestly, these are all issues that I need to work on personally, and I was grateful for Ms. Berryman’s selection of such relevant topics, with advice for parents of babies to late teens.
What topics are YOU most concerned about right now? I know that my parenting concerns and questions have evolved through the years. When my kids were little, I looked forward to the day when they were older….and now that they are older, I realize that parenting doesn’t get easier. The questions don’t go away – they just change.
Win a copy of Parents’ Guide to Creating Wonderful People
We’re giving away Jennifer Berryman’s excellent parenting book, Parents’ Guide to Creating Wonderful People. To enter to win a copy, leave a comment here with your best parenting advice OR your most pressing parenting question to which you would like to know the answer!
This giveaway ends January 25, 2012 and a winner will be chosen by random.org and announced the next Sunday in Around The Blogosphere. Please see our site’s terms and conditions for more information.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of Parents’ Guide to Creating Wonderful People, but the thoughts expressed here are my own.
Written by 5 Minutes for Mom managing editor, Lolli. You can find me blogging at Better in Bulk and tweeting at @1momof5.
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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
We have two kid under age two so I feel like I’m trying to figure everything out and strike the right balance with raising well adjusted kids.
Please people for the ones that are ( NOT) serious about reading any of these books, do not enter these contest’s. You are taking that right away from someone else by doing so. Like the person in spot number 1, be serious about this or DONT ENTER!!!!!!!!
That first comment was spam, and it has been deleted. Just wanted you to know. The comment in the #1 spot now is all good.
Would you like to ask a parenting question or give some advice to enter the contest yourself?
My best parenting advice is to wait until you’re older to have children. Thanks for the giveaway!
Развитие детей я думаю волнует в данный момент сейчас многих родителей. В большинстве случаев родители воспитывают своих детей как в свое время воспитывали их. На моей практике очень трудно перестроится, я не мало усилий приложила к тому, чтобы воспитывать дочь согласно нашему времени, не забывая при этом про все перечисленное в статье. Но сейчас дочери 10 лет и я прихожу к выводу, что не зря были такие перемены в моем подсознании. Вывод: в первую очередь чтобы воспитать личность, родители должны воспитать личность в себе
I need help right now with a bit of a sassy-ness issue with my 3 year old
Train your mind to keep up the positive attitude at all times, learn to focus on glass being “half full” and a lot of the stress will disappear, if not turn into joy.
My best advice is to remember that every kid is different!
I just had a baby in July. I came from a very abusive home and I really have no idea what a good parent should do. In lieu of a mother of grandmother for advice this would be a great help in raising my little girl to be the healthiest, happiest, most well-adjusted person that I can.
I have a friend who’s son is almost two now, this would be great for them, being first time parents.
My advice is to pray…a lot. And do what you can to enjoy your kids. I get so frustrated with the little things so often, but today we went for a bike ride and I remembered how much I enjoy just being with them.
My question is, are people still doing sleepovers? Starting at what age?
Use positive reinforcement instead of negative
Perfect for all the young parents out there.
I am still trying to be the best mom i can and trying to have more patience when it comes to my 1 and 3 year old. just taking it one day at a time. this book sounds helpful!
Consistancy!
To be consistent and stay calm
Don’t freak out! Overprotective parents tend to foster fear in children… and they’re afraid of all the wrong things. Parents are warning their kids about being taken in the night by a stranger, but never setting a good example by wearing a seatbelt.
laurenbbear at gmail dot com
My best advice is to trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone else.
Always check out the story they tell you, cause somewhere along the line they do slip up.
laugh out loud, don’t take the mishaps too seriously
The only thing I know to say is every kid is different and you have to do things that work for your child and your family and don’t get overwhelmed with all the “advice” you get. I think it’s great to seek out help but sometimes you be given so many solutions – it makes things even worse.
Thanks for the chance!
How do parents stick to their guns when it comes to discipline?
My best advice is to follow your instincts!
My best advice is learn to be extremely patient!
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
How to potty train?
Pick your battles!
My advice is to maintain a good schedule and set proper expectations.
How to handle th terrible twos and threes with boys?
enjoy every minute of it
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Let it go! Try to see things in the long-term. Will it matter in the long-term if they don’t eat all their dinner or get dirty playing? If not, then don’t sweat it.
hstorm799{at}gmail{dot}com
“Listen and love!”
My best parenting advise is listen to your own mother. She does know what she is talking about.
My best advice is patience, routine and predictability
My best advice is to support your child’s individuality.