Sometimes parenting is what you "DON'T" do...

Sometimes good parenting isn't what you do....sometimes it's more important what you DON'T do.

Let's tweak a statement from Jeff Foxworthy.

You might be a great parent if you.....
DON'T Embarrass your children. It is possible to discipline without embarrassment.

You might be a great parent if you.....
DON'T yell orders at your children in front of their friends. You don't want to be known as the mean Mom.

You might be a great parent if you.....
AREN'T overly critical. It's been proven that it takes 10 compliments to wipe out just one critical statement.

You might be a great parent if you.....
DON'T play favorites. There will be times when you have a day that centers around one child, but you should make sure you even it out later.

You might be a great parent if you.....
DON'T label your child. Give your children a chance to overcome any mistake they make. Don't label them as dishonest or overly sensitive or even uninterested in family. Instead be positive and creative in finding ways to help them overcome their problems.

You might be a great parent if you.....
DON'T jump to conclusions. Believe the best of your children. When a situation comes up don't jump to the conclusion that your child is being his worst even if he is exhibiting poor behavior.

You might be a great parent if you.....
DON'T force your child to be a carbon copy of you. Allow him to have his own tastes, likes and dislikes. Instruct him on the problems he will encounter if he chooses to like destructive behavior, but do allow him to like cold over hot or contemporary over classic.

Like Jeff Foxworthy....there are many more things "NOT" to do.

Above all have fun with your children and treat them as kind as you would your friends.

God loves you,

Debbie