Being a parent is hard but oh, the delight our children bring us! The smiles, giggles, innocence and wonder?children are our treasure! Each child is special and unique and come with their own needs, personalities, and desires. While parenting is a joy, it is also hard work and a challenge. Sometimes, finding a solution to a situation with our kids can be difficult. There are so many theories on child psychology and child rearing that parents searching for tips for parenting can feel overwhelmed and begin to question their own beliefs.

But while there are so many different tips for parenting and raising your children, there are a few tips for parenting that should always be practiced. Of course no parent is perfect or ever will ever be perfect, but what we can do as parents is continue to move forward and learn to hone our skills as parents in order to raise healthy and happy children.

There is not one right way to raise children just as there is no such thing as a perfect parent or a perfect child. But here are some guidelines to help your children grow up healthy and happy that you can implement today.

Tips for Parenting #1: Show Love

Children need to be shown and told they're loved. Each and everyday, numerous times a day, tell your children you love them. Take them in your arms and hug them, kiss them, and tell them how special they are to you.

Tips for Parenting #2: Praise

Children need to know you recognize when they do something well. When you catch your child doing something good, tell them you are proud of them and that you notice how wonderful they are.

Tips for Parenting #3: Listen

It is so important our children are heard. Even if they are wrong or unreasonable, listen to them. It doesn't mean you give into them, but listening tells your children you think they are important and you are interested in their feelings and what they are saying.

Tips for Parenting #4: Show Your Children They Are Safe

When your child is scared or hesitant, give them comfort and let them know you are always there to protect them.

Tips for Parenting #5: Structure

In order to feel safe and to learn boundaries, children need a regular schedule of meals, naps, bedtimes, and other activities. Try posting a schedule where your children can view it as well as making clear the family rules and what consequences will take place should they break those rules.

Tips for Parenting #6: Consistency

Family Rules need to be clear and consistent. Both parents must enforce the same rules and it must be done all the time.

Tips for Parenting #7: Discipline

When you discipline your child, criticize the poor behavior and not the child. For example, do not say, ?You are a bad boy!? but instead say ?Hitting your sister is not nice and is not acceptable.? Then follow up with telling your child what to do instead of the bad behavior.

Tips for Parenting #8: Devote Time to Your Kids

Spending time with your kids is crucial in order to create a bond of trust and love. Do activities together that your children love such as reading, going to the park, taking a walk, etc. Oftentimes, bad behavior is an attempt to get the parent's attention so be proactive and devote plenty of time to your children each and every day.

Tips for Parenting #9: Show Love

I say this again to reiterate how important it is that our children know they are loved. When your child's head hits the pillow at the end of the night, if nothing else, they should know they are loved and cherished.