As a parent, you may have already realized this, but you are one of the most important people in your child's life.  You provide then with what they need, physically and emotionally.  You teach them what they need to know and you are there to encourage and motivate them.  Have you ever taken the time to understand why your job as a parent is so important?  Some people feel that learning and personality development starts later in life, but actually, it begins in infancy.

Attachment is an important developmental step that is learned, or not, in the infant stage.  When you make sure your baby is fed, bathed, comforted, etc, you are building this attachment.  The infant is learning that his or her needs will be met, which will positively impact their emotional, cognitive, and social development.

As children grow, these developments are still occurring.  It is important to build a warm, open, and communicative relationship with your child.  When this is accompanied with setting appropriate limits and giving them reason and understanding of the rules for behavior, it can have positive impacts on development as well.  In fact, these types of relationships can raise self-esteem, increase school performance, and reduce the risk of depression or drug use in children and teens (American Psychological Association).

When children become teens, we all know that things change.  Their friends and own hobbies seem to take center stage, and that attitude always seems to be present.  It is important for parents to allow teens to explore the world on their own, but with some guidance, of course.  Continue a warm, communicative, and reasoned parenting style and your teen is more likely to achieve higher levels of socially competent behavior, less likely to use drugs, and to experience less anxiety and depression (American Psychological Association).

As you can see, your job as a parent is a pretty important one.  You can either positively or negatively impact your child's development by the relationships we build and maintain.  To promote positive growth, be sure to build positive and supportive relationships with your children, from day one!

References:

American Psychological Association (n.d.). Parents and Caregivers Are Essential to Children's Healthy Development

When I was pregnant, I was asked the question - "Are you going to let the baby sleep with you?"  My answer was always quick, and always No.  I still firmly stand by that decision and wouldn't go back and change anything, even if I could.  Co-sleeping is a popular thing.  In fact, I know quite a few parents who do it.  I'll never judge them, but I'll also never join them.

For me, the decision not to allow my child to sleep in the bed with me came when I was younger.  No names, or relations mentioned, but I knew of a child, who was in his toddler years, and he couldn't fall asleep unless his Mom, or another trusted adult, was in the room.  Really though, he wanted his Mom in there with him.  I didn't even have to do it every night, and I found it slightly exhausting.

Who can really get sleep with a kid kicking you in the back, or screaming if you have to get up and leave the room, even just to use the bathroom and come straight back.  So, after experiencing that, I knew for a fact that when I had my own child, the decision had already been made, they were NOT going to be sleeping in my bed.

I suppose I should confess.  While I was breastfeeding, there were times when I kept my children in bed with me after they were done eating.  However, as soon as I started them on the bottle, I decided it was time that they no longer ruled my roost.  I kept them in the room with me, but they slept in a bassinet, or the crib.

So, all you co-sleeping advocates can't really point at me and yell mean things :) - I didn't kick them out all the way.  I do believe in keeping children close, so I couldn't just send them into a room, all alone, right away.  But, I did want them out of my bed as soon as they weren't attached to my nipple, what seemed to be 24 hrs a day.

Now, they are a little older and I can tell you, I am still glad to have made that decision when they were babies.  I started a trend, one that I could work with, and one that didn't wear me down so much.  Personally, I don't get much sleep when I have to share the bed, or blankets with someone.  I'd make the hubby sleep in his own bed if it weren't so cliche.  I like my space.  But it's much more than that.  I enjoy my "ME TIME."  I feel just like my Mom when I say that.  We always had a bed time, and her reason was the same as the one I now give my own children.  The time when I put them in bed, until the time I go to bed myself, is time I get to spend on myself.  I don't have to force myself to bed when they go.  I can sit, in the quiet and get work done, or enjoy a nice glass of wine, which is something I'm sure some people frown upon you drinking in bed, with your kid snoozing right next to you.

If I had decided to go ahead with co-sleeping, the chances are pretty high that my "Me Time" would be non existent.

What are you reasons for either co-sleeping, or choosing not to co-sleep?

How to Deal with a Moody Teen | Live Love in the Home

Ever wondered how to deal with a moody, or disrespectful teen?  Me too.

My boys aren't teenagers yet, but it can never be too early to prepare for those years.  Here are some tips to help you deal with the relationship you have (and the ones I will have) with your teen.

Rules

Rules are important.  Your teen needs to know what is acceptable behavior and language and what is not.  It even helps to involve your teen in the rule setting process.  This way, you can both be in agreement of what's expected.  After you set the rules, be sure to follow up.  Rules mean nothing when not enforced.

Consequences

When a rule is broken, consequences can help teach a teen that when they do something wrong, especially something they've agreed on, they must own up to it.  Consequences could be taking away the cell phone or computer, or cancelling the best friend movie date they have planned for the weekend.  You can base the consequence for breaking a rule, based on which one was broken.  Consequences can also be discussed with a teen when setting a rule.  They are more apt to follow a rule when it is not only just enforced, but also when they know what's at stake.

They Learn What They See & Hear

You are one of the most important teachers in your teen's life.  They'll copy things you say and do, and yeah, they'll sometimes act like you.  You should try to be a good role model for them.  Show them what you expect with your own words and actions.

Stay Calm

Don't panic and don't argue.  It's best to keep your cool.  Don't use words to hurt your teen.  Remember, if it would hurt your feelings, chances are, your teen is definitely going to take it to heart.  If you get too overwhelmed, take a deep breath, or walk away for a moment to calm down.

Remember

You'll both be just fine and even if it's said, your teen doesn't really hate you.  Remember what it was like to be that age and just keep breathing.

Need Help?

You may need a little more advice.  If so, you may find it helpful to contact:

• Other parents


• Your teen's school counselor


• You can also seek professional help, if needed.