Today’s Parenting Tip:

We understand that some of our readers are from countries that have royal princesses and princes. We respect the important history and official roles of those royal princesses and princes. These parenting tips are designed to help us understand how an ordinary person can become a lovable, capable princess or prince – both in spirit and in action.

Because these parenting tips are inspired by our featured book, PRINCESS IN TRAINING and because August is back-to school month for many kids, these tips are about how your child can return to school as a lovable, capable princess (or prince).

Decide:  To be a prince in spirit and in action, your child needs to be appreciated for just being who he is.

Practice:  Pick a day to keep track of the messages you give your child.

How many were about how much you care? Theses are ones deserved by the child just because he is a human being and all people need to be cared about. (“I’m so glad we can be together tonight.”)

How many of your messages (things you said with words and things you said with actions) were about something the child did? (“You stayed right with your homework today until you got it done.”)

Think about whether there are enough of the I-care-about-you messages. Remember, you need enough to balance out all the you-did-a-good-thing messages that are or will be happening at school. If you think he should have more care-about-you messages, add more of those over the next few days.

Read more about lovable, capable princesses (and princes): Becoming a Lovable and Capable Prince or Princess.

Come back to Daily Parenting Tips each day for another helpful tip.