How to Raise Better Boys (Girls, Too)
16 Dec
Crazy boys, with crazy cousins
Two experts on the TODAY Show recently shared that most parents, when surveyed, say what they want most out of life is to raise healthy kids. And when 6,400 moms and dads were interviewed in one study, the following six practices emerged as key for raising better kids. Embrace each one, and your own offspring will be better behaved and less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
- Have dinner with your kids at least five times per week. This is what matters most, not your work, not the stuff you’re buying, but actually sitting down and paying attention to your children. It’s not the food that matters, it’s the connection and strength of the family that comes from dining as a group. If you just can’t make it happen because you’re working two jobs to make ends meet, gather at an off time and have a snack together.
- Take your kids to church or synagogue weekly. This will teach them that there’s something bigger out there, and they’ll learn a solid sense of respect.
- Check your kids’ homework nightly. Intellectual development is just as import as physical development. The more you monitor, the better.
- Demand the truth, and get it. Earn trust by becoming a hands-on and involved parent.
- Take kids on vacation for at least a week at at time once per year. Leave your Blackberry at home.
- Get your kids involved in team sports, but be careful. Research shows that some sports may increase incidences of drinking, smoking and violent behavior.
