Today’s Parenting Tip:

DECIDE:  To be clear about what it means to be “nice.”

PRACTICE:  Today, write down on a piece of paper what you mean when you tell your child to be nice. Or, when you expect yourself to be a nice person.

For example, should she never say no? Be polite? Share toys? Be humble? Help others?

Now look at your list and think whether you should add or subtract from the statements. Are they things that a people can actually do and still stick up for themselves?

For example, which of these statements is more realistic? “Never say no.” Or, “When you say no, do so respectfully.”

Which is a better? “Always help others?” Or, “Help others when you can.”

The important thing about defining “nice” is to make sure the person is able to stick up for himself and still be a nice person.

Today’s Decide and Practice daily parenting tip was inspired by our featured picture book, PHOEBE & DIGGER.  Read the book to a child in your life each day as a reminder of what you are deciding and practicing that day.

Come back each day for another good parenting decision and how to practice it. (Each day’s activity will also be posted on the Daily Parenting Tips page for easy access.)

Read the whole story at Making Children Feel Safe and Important, Part 2.