How To Be A Good Parent For An Infant

As a parent, one of your goals is to raise children who eventually find their way to success in life. Children who learn some sense of responsibility early in their childhood tend to be more self-sufficient, less codependent, and more likely to take responsibility for their own actions in adulthood. Responsibility is a learned skill and it is your role as a parent to ensure that you are providing your child with the tools to learn this very critical skill early in life. (White, 187-196)

A child is provided with the opportunity to start learning responsibility at a very young age. Parents need to learn to take advantage of the opportunities to teach responsibility as they occur. Children who are raised in a consequences free environment never have the opportunity to learn how to take responsibility for their actions. Parents who feel that they are creating a safe haven for their children by not allowing them to experience negative consequences for negative actions, are enablers. Irresponsible children raised in enabled households tend to approach all life situations with a sense of entitlement; a "the world owes me" kind of attitude. In adulthood, this attitude can lead to a real sense of discontent as other people in the child's life do not provide that enabling role.

If your child took a minute to think about her happiest times, she would probably realize that what makes her happiest is you. Connect with them, play with them," he advises. "If you're having fun with them, they're having fun. If you create what I call a 'connected childhood,' that is by far the best step to guarantee your child will be happy. (Watson 41-58)

Play creates joy, but play is also how your child develops skills essential to future happiness. Unstructured play allows her to discover what she loves to do — build cities out of blocks, teach math to her stuffed animals — which can point her toward a career that will seem like a lifetime of play. Play doesn't mean after-school lessons, organized sports, and other structured, "enriching" activities. Play is when children invent, create, and daydream.

Lots of sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet are important to everyone's well-being, especially children's. For exercise, your child doesn't need to be on a soccer team: Just running around outside helps children with their moods. And pay attention to your child's need for structure: While some children are very easygoing, many children thrive and are happier with a set schedule that lets them know what's coming.

You might also want to pay attention to any connection between your child's mood and particular foods. Some parents find that while sugar can give their child an energy boost, it can also create mood swings or aggressive behavior. Food allergies and sensitivities may also play a role in your child's behavior and mood. (Wenner 35-59)

But, you say, I'm supposed to be creating a happy child! Shouldn't I swoop down and make everything better? In ...