The Murray Family's Top 75 Parenting Tips

1. Get the “What to Expect” book series (we may be dating ourselves with this one)

2. Choose a pediatrician that you trust (and that will listen to your concerns)

3. Purchase a jog stroller and a kid carrier front pack and backpack (take your kids everywhere)

4. Give babies lots of tummy time (it’s more fun if you’re on the floor with them)

5. Connect with other parents who share your values (trade off child care)

6. Read to them every day (start right now)

7. Let kids feed themselves as soon as they are interested (anything can be a finger food)

8. Teach them sign language (kids can sign before they can talk)

9. Give kids choices whenever you can (would you like to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt?)

10. Hike and camp in the woods (even when you think they are too little to appreciate it)

11. Listen to fun kid music (one of our favorites was Songs From The 100 Acre Woods)

12. Catch your kids being good (avoid too many no’s and don’ts)

13. Take tons of pictures (don’t forget pictures of the 2nd and 3rd child too)

14. Don’t push potty training (especially for little boys)

15. Go to the zoo and children’s museum (often)

16. Don’t get into power struggles over eating (they will always win)

17. Give them kid vitamins (just in case they aren’t eating as many vegetables as you would like)

18. Write down the funny things your kids say and do (10 years from now you might not remember)

19. When your kids get tired and hungry, wrap up the activity (don’t try for 10 more minutes)

20. Make bath time fun (tub crayons are awesome)

21. Utilize time outs (1 minute per year of age)

22. Encourage them to play outside (fresh air is good for everyone)

23. Get a family pet (share in the care giving responsibilities)

24. Make sure your kids get to know their grandparents (maybe you should move to Fort Collins???)

25. Send your kids to a developmental preschool (don’t push the academics too soon)

26. Try not to engage in a battle of the wills (sometimes mom and dad need a time out too)

27. Never spank kids (don’t teach them that hitting solves anything)

28. Make family time a priority (do something active together)

29. Expose them to church when they’re young (let them decide as they get older)

30. Buy a tag-along so you can go on longer bike rides (always wear helmets)

31. Take your kids sledding (build a jump)

32. Let young kids try out a variety of activities (you never know what they will enjoy)

33. Put a trampoline in your backyard (with an enclosure)

34. Live in a neighborhood with lots of other kids (it’s nice to have spontaneous play dates)

35. Choose a school based on the teachers and principal (not just test scores)

36. Limit screen time (link reading and screen time: 30 min of reading = 30 min of screen time)

37. Volunteer to coach your kid’s team (even if you don’t like soccer)

38. Monitor what they watch/play (remember whatever images they take in become permanent)

39. Get to know your kids’ teachers (volunteer in their classroom if you can)

40. Play family board games (Hullabaloo, Cadoo, Cranium)

41. Always act as if your kids are watching (they are)

42. Send your kids to summer camp (they grow a ton in just 1 week)

43. No cell phones until middle school (believe it or not, this tip actually came from Logan)

44. Take a 1:1 parent/child trip to a place s/he wants to go (rent a convertible – again from Logan)

45. Have a goal writing session with your kids (make it an annual event)

46. Use car time for good conversations (you have a captive audience)

47. Encourage them to bike/walk rather than driving them (unless you need the captive audience)

48. Let your kids hear you boast about them (boast not brag)

49. Have the house where everyone wants to hang out (create a cool rec room in the basement)

50. Ask your kids to raise part of the money for things they want (they will be more meaningful)

51. Know your teenagers’ friends and their parents (it takes a village)

52. Promote sibling bonding (not rivalry, and no favorite child)

53. Spend your resources on experiences vs things (they will remember a trip more than new shoes)

54. Enlist kids’ input regarding family vacations (let them do some of the research)

55. Make sure your kids know you believe in them (let them dream big)

56. Teach your kids the value of respect (it will serve them well in life)

57. Support their passions (this may mean you have to become a wrestling mom)

58. Let them learn from their own mistakes (natural consequences)

59. Surround your kids with other positive adult mentors (teachers, coaches, Younglife leaders)

60. Encourage your kids to be role models for each other (they’ll hold each other accountable)

61. Try to eat as a family (even if it means dinner is at 7:00 after practice)

62. Invest in a good driver’s education class (it’s money well spent)

63. Teach them how to drive a stick shift (and change a tire)

64. Sandwich constructive criticism with positive feedback (positive/negative/positive)

65. Have a firm curfew (make them wake you up when they get home)

66. Use loss of privileges for breaking rules (restrict phone usage, time with friends, etc)

67. Reward honesty (even when they are in trouble)

68. Set the bar high (not giving their best should never be an option)

69. Be a good listener (chances are they will open up)

70. Promote high school sports (they provide structure, a group of friends, and older role models)

71. Healthy competition is good (but teamwork and friendship are more important)

72. Encourage them to take challenging classes (they will be with the other kids who want to learn)

73. College is a given (the conversation is about where not if)

74. If your kids have a goal, help them achieve it (even when their goals differ from yours)

75. LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY!!!