New Year, Less Stress
Let Her Lead
"Let your kids take the lead. Whenever I find myself getting stressed about when and how my child will meet another milestone, if I wait a little longer, she ends up making steps towards something new without any real work from me. Why fight her on weaning, potty training or eating spinach when she usually ends up figuring each new step on her own!"
-Lane, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan; mother of one daughter, age 2
Hire a Consultant
"Having a lactation consultant come to my home the first week was the among the best $200 I’ve spent. It's overwhelming to capture all the information in the hospital, and many of us need extra help, training, and tips. Also, if you enjoy having the baby sleep on you, don't listen to people who warn you about "spoiling." Enjoy every snuggly second because it's over in a flash."
-Lisa, New York; mother of daughter, age 2
Speak Up
"Teach your child early on to ask for attention. When you see bad behavior, stop what you are doing and say to your child, ‘It looks like you need some attention. Can you ask me for attention?’ Then when they do, give the child attention right then and there. Usually it’s something fast and much less stressful than correcting bad behavior. [My daughter] still asks for attention when she needs it."
-Andrea, Charlotte, Mich.; mother of a daughter, age 20
Drop the Measuring Stick
"Let children be children. Enjoy the age they are at. They will grow up fast, so don't waste the time by worrying about what they are or are not doing right, or if they're developing at the same pace as their peers."
-Rachel, Panajachel, Guatemala; mother of five kids, ages 10, 8, 7, 6 and 2
MORE: Royal Parenting Fails
Offer Choices
"Give your child choices from the time they are old enough to point or grab. There is no need to have a battle of the wills. Offer two appropriate choices, and the child will feel empowered and be more cooperative because they become a partner in the decisions."
-Shani, Kansas City, Mo.; mother of three kids, ages 22, 17 and 16
Eating Your Vegetables
"The girls had to eat as many bites as years they were old. This worked well so that they tried new foods without having to clean their plate! One of my daughters was a finicky eater, and I set the timer for her to finish her meal in a reasonable amount of time.
-Sue, Brighton, Mich.; mother of two daughters, ages 17 and 14
