MAIN Home Life Parenting

From feeding and clothing, to kissing away the boo-boos and protecting them from upset and emotional hurts, it's only your kids entire future that rests in your hands!

You want the best early education for them, to be civil-minded and socially popular and, hopefully, one day they will grow into successful adults.

Where to begin?

There's no single formula for successful parenting, and most parents who have been through it all will tell you to throw away the child-rearing books, and instead tailor your parenting style to your particular child's behavior and emotional development.

That's fine, but don't overlook practical guidance available from other parents that have come before. Choose ideas that you feel may be helpful, and then hope you're going in the right direction! (If you're so inclined prayer helps, too.)

In short, there's no one expert you can turn to, but you.

Parenting 101

Boil it all down to one principle, and good parenting means loving and respecting your child no matter what.

Simple? Ask any experienced parent and they'll probably tell you that at times (see the teen years) loving them through thick and thin may be the hardest test of all.

If you haven't noticed already, your kids are watching your every move. So don't overlook related guides geared to parents on how to hold on to personal happiness (and sanity) as you deal with life's chaos.

In fact, maintaining emotionial balance may be the single most important influence you may have in teaching your kids to do the same. And who knows? In the not-too-distant future - as successful and well-rounded adults with kids of their own - your kids may even thank you.

Just up ahead, and elsewhere around the Web, get real world advice that addresses overall child development, related kids' health concerns and physical well-being, along with more practical tips on everything from dealing with kids rashes, teething pain or sibling rivalry to how to get kids to do their homework.

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FEATURE STORIES	see ALL Feature Stories
The Ten Principles of Good Parenting
It's no big secret how parents can easily manipulate kids into doing what they want, but out of all age groups it's young children who have an unerring radar for knowing when they're not getting the love AND respect they crave ....
How to Find a Playgroup
Moving into a strange neighborhood or just meeting up with new parents can be stressful, but here are some helpful suggestions on how to introduce yourself and your kids to a social whirl of group fun and social activities that's good for both of you ....
How to Choose a Tutor
There are so many ways to choose a tutor (online or 1-on-1? Hire a professional or college student?) that it may take an education to find just the right one. Learn more about how to navigate through the tutoring options and help your child excel ...

also see -> Take Your Child To Work Day | Alone After School

Teaching Teens to Drive - A Mixed Blessing for Parents

Parent Tested Potty Training Tips | Buying a Diaper Bag

First Day of School | New Parent Gift Ideas

More parenting tips & advice from around the Web:

Whole Family - Family issues for all ages are covered here. Real families - real issues.

Dr. Spock.com - The family guru's philosophy and an entire site devoted to it with answers to parenting, childcare and relationship issues, news, feature story articles and a forum.

Parenting Help - Free Tips, Advice, Resources And Guidance - Helpful tips for raising infants, toddlers, tweens and teens with advice on time-outs and discipline, developing social skills, health information and resources, schooling and education.

Positive Parenting - Kids Health.org guide to raising kids with advice on reading and early education, health, discipline and related topics on coping with parenting.

Stress Management for Parents - Quick but helpful tips on taking a mental vacation, deep breathing exercises, and a list of proven stress reducers.