Six A's of Parenting

1. Be Aware
Study your children. They're wonderful creations. Listen to them, watch them, ask them questions. Talk with them, not to them. Discover their likes and dislikes, their dreams and fears, their strengths and weaknesses. Recognize how special they are.

2. Be Assertive
There are lessons you've learned from life, so pass them on. Teach truth. Provide reasonable rules and consistent consequences when those rules are broken. Be strong and give your children security without being rigid, insensitive, abusive, angry, or exasperating.

3. Be Accepting
Focus on the positives and assist children with their negatives. Don't expect perfection from them, lest they turn and expect it from you. Remember that children are often immature and teenagers are frequently impulsive. Be patient with them.

4. Be Approachable
One of the biggest problems is emotional distance from your children. Be close to your children. Spend quality time with them. Laugh with them, play with them, enjoy them. Take them on walks and outings and vacations. Truly connect with them.

5. Be Affectionate
Hug them often and tell them you love them every day. Give them compliments and encourage them versus discouraging them. Don't yell, hit, name call, or belittle them. Treat them gently and with respect. Treasure them.

6. Be Alert
The world is full of dangers and temptations. As parents, we are protectors. Watch over your children and warn them. Protect them without being paranoid. Most importantly of all, pray for them daily.