Practical Parenting

by Crystal Linn

 

Crystal Linn is a childcare expert and a professional writer. She is co-founder of
C and C Educational Consultants, a Bothell-based company that works with childcare professionals and also offers children's workshops and parenting classes. Crystal enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry and sailing. She would love to hear from you at candceducationalconsultants@gmail.com or at (206) 715-2505.

Are you one of the fortunate parents whose child has great friends, or do you have concerns about who your child associates with?

As most of you know, or will soon discover, the older a child becomes the more influence his or her friends have. It is important that our children learn to make wise decisions regarding friendships at an early age.

Here are three ideas to help you assist your child(ren) in this important area.

Talk with your child about the importance of quality friendships: Remember to discuss it during a time when your child is calm and there are few distractions. Be honest and open, using examples from people your child knows, or knows about. Listen to your child's point of view so you can understand where s/he is coming from and you can give wiser counsel.

Set parameters as needed: This includes whatever it takes. It could mean limiting the time your child spends with a particular friend or controlling the activities they are involved in. Playing on a soccer team together is better than 'hanging out' at the friend's house when there is no adult at home. Follow your intuition and do what is best for your child.

Encourage your child to bring his/her friends home: This gives you more control over possible negative influences and allows you to be a good influence on your child's friends.

While these three ideas will not guarantee your child (ren) will pick ideal friends, it will make a difference in how s/he looks at friendships and will give you the opportunity to have a positive influence in the lives of your children's friends.

Recently I was talking with one of our readers and she asked a question which surprised me. She wanted to know if readers could write in with questions. I had made the false assumption that everyone knew this was acceptable. My answer to this reader was, "Yes, I welcome all questions and comments."

To your parenting success,

Crystal

Community Corner:

Summer is a great time to get 'closer to nature'. Go on-line or to the closest library and check out all of the wonderful opportunities we have, such as hiking Wallace Falls to look at tree frogs or spending time at the Pilchuck Tree Farm.

Quotable Parenting Quote:

Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child's life and it's like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities. -- Gary Smalley