TIPS FOR WORKING PARENTS
January 07, 2009
1. Discuss your work with your children. By discussing your duties, frustrations, regulations schedule and rewards, your child will begin to learn about the world of work.
2. Don’t overwork. Many children feel that parents value success on the job more than being a good parent. When you come home from work, your child wants your attention. There’s so much to share. The child needs to know you care enough to be near and listen. Many children feel rejected because of the statements parents make to them: “Don’t bother me,” “Can’t you see I’m busy?” “What do you want now?”
3. Don’t come home grumpy. When you first come home, take a few minutes to unwind before taking on your role as mother or father. A shower, nap, some exercise will defuse the upset feeling and restore yourself so you can enjoy your children.
4. Don’t go out too often. If you’re usually out more than one evening a week, to a child you’re absent for what seems to be a long time.
5. Listen to your child. Listening to your child and answering questions can make an enormous difference in his/her emotional security and will strengthen your relationship with him/her.
- Set aside time for each child.
- Sit close to the child.
- Pay attention to the child’s tone of voice and body language as well as words.
- Let the child choose the topic.
- Express sympathy and understanding.
- Avoid being judgmental about the child’s feelings or opinions.
6. Don’t criticize unfairly. Focus on your children’s good points, instead of the negative, to build their self-esteem. If children need reprimanding, do it in private and in a way that maintains their dignity. Don’t use your children as a target when you’re frustrated in another area of your life.
7. Start the day right. The time you spend with your child in the morning sets the tone for the day. A calm morning with your children can be created by rising 15 minutes earlier and going through your routine at a slower pace. Eating breakfast together is important, but don’t forget a hug, kiss and words of encouragement. A good start in the morning gives a child greater confidence to face the day.
8. Make your house safe. Children are afraid to be home alone.
- Teach your child how to handle various situations.
- Consider installing a smoke detector, burglar alarm, telephone answering machine.
- Don’t leave extra keys in obvious hiding places such as under the doormat.
- A parent or designated adult should always be available by phone.
- Children should know how to use the phone, where to find emergency phone numbers and how to answer the phone without letting an unknown caller find out no one else is home.
- Help children understand the precautions you’ve taken and they will feel more confident about staying home.
(Source: Grollman, Earl A. and Sweden, Gerri L., “The Working Parents’ Dilemma”)
