5 Things You Need to Know About Parenting

1. You Can Never Love a Child Too Much

Spoiling a child with love isn't possible. Material things, leniency or low expectations lead to behavioral problems, not love and affection, and can cause a child to be spoiled. Be as loving as you want. Smother your child with affection. Because when your child's independent streak comes along--and it will--you will want to know you gave enough while your child would let you.

2. Listen to Your Child

This applies both figuratively and actually. Children learn social skills from their parents, and listening is one of the most important. A child's self-esteem is dependent on their parents' interest, and the best way for a parent to show that is by listening to what their kids have to say. On the flip side, parents also have to watch for behavioral signs and other problems that children are in trouble. By listening to these nonverbal cues, parents can take control of harmful or negative situations and help their child.

3. Be Consistent

Two things that have to occur for rules to be followed. First, they have to be enforced. Second, the punishment or discipline for breaking the rule must be consistent. Children get confused when rules aren't enforced consistently, and misbehavior results. Rules encourage children to learn to manage themselves later in life. They set the foundation for self-control and management down the road and into adulthood.

4. Parent Your Child With Respect

Always follow the golden rule--treat others as you would like to be treated. Just because it's your child doesn't mean you should treat him differently than anyone else. Be polite, courteous and respectful of your child as an individual. Children learn from their parents' actions, and treat peers the way their parents treat them. Respecting your child also means explaining punishments and discipline when they are used. If you wouldn't appreciate being treated that way, then it's safe to assume your child doesn't either.

5. Don't Be a Bully

Studies have shown again and again that spanking or other physical punishment offers little or no benefits to children. It leads instead to emotional problems, aggression and antisocial behavior that extends well beyond childhood. Kids who are spanked are more likely to be bullies themselves, and troublemakers in the classroom. Using time-outs is a far more effective way to discipline kids, and doesn't come with the negative issues that spanking causes.