Vidcast: https://youtu.be/EjFQsAfXW2k After my years as a camp counselor, raising 4 kids, and caring for children and their parents as a pediatric otolaryngologist for 40 years, here are my go-to principles for effective parenting. ONE. Consistency. Establish reasonable boundaries that create security. Offer praise and rewards for remaining within them. Use a carrot versus a stick. Announce consequences for violations. Say what you’ll do and do what you say. TWO:: Responsibility. Allow progressive decision-making within limited choice boundaries even for infants and toddlers. Child refuses food. You say, “Do you want apples or peaches?” Have a balky, uncooperative teen? “Do you want garbage or yard duty?” THREE: Distraction. When the inevitable poor behaviors and disagreements arise, distract using redirection to a different activity or location and….. FOUR: Humor. Laughter and smiles are powerful parenting tools. Don’t be afraid to clown around and show love in a offbeat ways. #parenting #consistency #responsibility #distraction #humor
