Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting

There’s an old saying that if the only tool you have is a hammer, everything will look like a nail after a while.

That’s why in the toolbox in your garage you’ll find hammers, screwdrivers, and different sized wrenches – tools with very particular uses for specific problems around the house.

With that in mind, let me ask you: What kind of tools are in your parenting toolbox?

There isn’t one tool to rule them all.

Some moms and dads employ the same emotion and parenting techniques for every situation – whether anger, overly strict rules, or permissiveness. Effective parenting is all about having the right tool at the right moment to get the best results in your child’s behavior and maturity.

Dr. Randy Schroeder, author of the book, Simple Habits for Effective Parenting, says parents who want to lead and encourage their children ought to keep in mind the “four foundational Rs of parenting”:

Relationship – Build trust with your child with actions first and words second. Your number-one goal is to do whatever it takes to ensure that your relationship is unbreakable.
Routines – Regular parent-child routines develop a close bond – eating meals together, greeting your child with a smile and hug, praying together, tucking them in at night.
Responsibilities – Teach your children self-discipline through age-appropriate responsibilities. When your child helps around the house, he or she is not only contributing to the family’s good but building his or her self-worth and self-confidence.
Rules – Children need rules and boundaries to feel secure. They should have freedom within the rules, allowing them to make responsible decisions.

Dr. Randy Schroeder is with us on our Best of 2021 Focus on the Family Broadcast “Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting” to provide nuts-and-bolts insight that will equip you to lead your child in a loving, confident manner.

Join us for our conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Dr. Randy Schroeder is a former educator turned counselor. He has a successful counseling practice and has written a book called Simple Habits for Effective Parenting: Specific Skills and Tools That Achieve Extraordinary Results in Raising a Child, which is available for a gift of any amount on our website. Or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).