Rewarding Parenting Tips

Do you know what it means to be a good parent? That you try your hardest to do the best for your children. That doesn't mean you'll always get it right!

Parenting comes naturally to most people; however even the most confident parents have questions at some point. This is why we've compiled a list of common parenting questions from parents just like you. Hopefully the answers will give you some ideas and strategies for raising your own children.

- How will I know when it’s time to move my toddler out of his crib? Once they reach 30 inches tall, children should be moved out of their crib and into a bed. This is a safety concern, because taller children are prone to falling over the edge of crib rails. If you are worried that your child will fall out of a bed, use a guardrail. There are many options available, and the best is a rail that slides between the mattress and box spring for stabilization. Another option is a toddler bed, which places your child just a few inches off of the floor.

- How am I best to handle the death of my child’s pet? Chances are that if you have had your pet for some time, your child is very attached to the animal. Remember that just because your pet is not a person, it is still very possible for your child to have developed a strong attachment. When the pet dies, your child is just as likely to suffer from grief as they would be if a loved one had died. Be open and honest with your child – regardless of his or her age.

- How can I stay on top of trends? When it comes to fads and trends, the one consistency is change. What your child is begging for one day, he will be scoffing at the next. As a parent, you will need to make sure that your child does not ‘fall behind the time’, while showing them that not every fad is worth following. It is important to be clear with your reasons when you tell your child that they cannot have a specific item. And, you need to make sure that you do allow your child to follow some fads that don’t pose a significant problem. Some parents will give in and allow their children to wear some of the more questionable teen fashions, while other parents will give in on video game trends. Still other parents will give their children the latest electronic devices. Today’s big question is whether or not children should have their own cell phones, a trend that is increasing among pre-teens and teens alike. It’s a matter of personal choice – but you will need to instill limits with your children right from the beginning.

- When should I start giving my child an allowance? A good rule of thumb is that when your child starts asking for money to buy items, they are ready to start receiving an allowance. Giving your child money of their own can be a great way to teach her child about the value and responsibility of money. When establishing an allowance system with younger children, consider keeping the money until your child needs it for something. This will alleviate a lot of frivolous spending, and guarantee that your child will not lose her money.

- How can I understand why my child loves to argue with me? Children like power. Arguing gives them a sense of power, particularly when you react instead of respond. One of the most important things to any older child is proving that he or she is right – and that everyone else is wrong. You will never win a power struggle with a child – so don’t allow a power struggle to evolve in the first place. When your child starts to argue, state your response ONCE and walk away. If you need to repeat what you said more than one time, be prepared with consequences.

Questions come with the territory when you're a parent. So if you find yourself asking more questions then you know the answers to, you're not alone. In fact, we were amazed by the number of questions parents came forward with when we asked them what was on their minds. Hopefully reading the answers to these common parenting questions has given you something to think about.