- Get the “What to Expect” book series (we may be dating ourselves with this one)
- Choose a pediatrician that you trust (and that will listen to your concerns)
- Purchase a jog stroller and a kid carrier front pack and backpack (take your kids everywhere)
- Give babies lots of tummy time (it’s more fun if you’re on the floor with them)
- Connect with other parents who share your values (trade off child care)
- Read to them every day (start right now)
- Let kids feed themselves as soon as they are interested (anything can be a finger food)
- Teach them sign language (kids can sign before they can talk)
- Give kids choices whenever you can (would you like to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt?)
- Hike and camp in the woods (even when you think they are too little to appreciate it)
- Listen to fun kid music (one of our favorites was Songs From The 100 Acre Woods)
- Catch your kids being good (avoid too many no’s and don’ts)
- Take tons of pictures (don’t forget pictures of the 2nd and 3rd child too )
- Don’t push potty training (especially for little boys)
- Go to the zoo and children’s museum (often)
- Don’t get into power struggles over eating (they will always win)
- Give them kid vitamins (just in case they aren’t eating as many vegetables as you would like)
- Write down the funny things your kids say and do (10 years from now you might not remember)
- When your kids get tired and hungry, wrap up the activity (don’t try for 10 more minutes)
- Make bath time fun (tub crayons are awesome)
- Utilize time outs (1 minute per year of age)
- Encourage them to play outside (fresh air is good for everyone)
- Get a family pet (share in the care giving responsibilities)
- Make sure your kids get to know their grandparents (maybe you should move to Fort Collins???)
- Send your kids to a developmental preschool (don’t push the academics too soon)
- Try not to engage in a battle of the wills (sometimes mom and dad need a time out too)
- Never spank kids (don’t teach them that hitting solves anything)
- Make family time a priority (do something active together)
- Expose them to church when they’re young (let them decide as they get older)
- Buy a tag-along so you can go on longer bike rides (always wear helmets)
- Take your kids sledding (build a jump)
- Let young kids try out a variety of activities (you never know what they will enjoy)
- Put a trampoline in your backyard (with an enclosure)
- Live in a neighborhood with lots of other kids (it’s nice to have spontaneous play dates)
- Choose a school based on the teachers and principal (not just test scores)
- Limit screen time (link reading and screen time: 30 min of reading = 30 min of screen time)
- Volunteer to coach your kid’s team (even if you don’t like soccer)
- Monitor what they watch/play (remember whatever images they take in become permanent)
- Get to know your kids’ teachers (volunteer in their classroom if you can)
- Play family board games (Hullabaloo, Cadoo, Cranium)
- Always act as if your kids are watching (they are)
- Send your kids to summer camp (they grow a ton in just 1 week)
- No cell phones until middle school (believe it or not, this tip actually came from Logan)
- Take a 1:1 parent/child trip to a place he wants to go (rent a convertible – again from Logan)
- Have a goal writing session with your kids(make it an annual event)
- Use car time for good conversations (you have a captive audience)
- Encourage them to bike/walk rather than driving them (unless you need the captive audience)
- Let your kids hear you boast about them (boast not brag)
- Have the house where everyone wants to hang out (create a cool rec room in the basement)
- Ask your kids to raise part of the money for things they want( they will be more meaningful)
- Know your teenagers’ friends and their parents (it takes a village)
- Promote sibling bonding (not rivalry)
- Spend your resources on experiences vs things (they will remember a trip more than new shoes)
- Enlist kids’ input regarding family vacations (let them do some of the research)
- Make sure your kids know you believe in them (let them dream big)
- Teach your kids the value of respect (it will serve them well in life)
- Support their passions (this may mean you have to become a wrestling mom)
- Let them learn from their own mistakes (natural consequences)
- Surround your kids with other positive adult mentors (teachers, coaches, Younglife leaders)
- Encourage your kids to be role models for each other (they’ll hold each other accountable)
- Try to eat as a family (even if it means dinner is at 7:00 after practice)
- Invest in a good driver’s education class (it’s money well spent)
- Teach them how to drive a stick shift (and change a tire)
- Sandwich constructive criticism with positive feedback (positive/negative/positive)
- Have a firm curfew (make them wake you up when they get home)
- Use loss of privileges for breaking rules (restrict phone usage, time with friends, etc)
- Reward honesty (even when they are in trouble)
- Set the bar high (not giving their best should never be an option)
- Be a good listener (chances are they will open up)
- Promote high school sports (they provide structure, a group of friends, and older role models)
- Healthy competition is good (but teamwork and friendship are more important)
- Encourage them to take challenging classes (they will be with the other kids who want to learn)
- College is a given (the conversation is about where not if)
- If your kids have a goal, help them achieve it (even when their goals differ from yours)
- LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY!!!