• Respond promptly and lovingly to your child's physical and emotional needs. 

• Make an extra effort to set a good example at home and in public.  A simple way to start is to remember to use words like "I'm sorry," "please," and "thank you."

• When your child is angry, argumentative or in a bad mood, give him a hug, and talk with him about his feelings.

• Make plans to spend time alone with your young child doing something he enjoys.

• Mark family game nights on your calendar so the entire family can be together. Put a different family member's name under each date, and have that person choose which game will be played that evening.

• One of the best ways to familiarize your child with good food choices is to encourage him to cook with you. Cooking can also be a great bonding experience.

• As your child grows up, she'll spend most of her time developing and refining a variety of skills and abilities in all areas of his life. You should help her as much as possible by encouraging him and providing the equipment and instruction he needs.

• Your child's health depends significantly on the care and guidance you offer during his early years. By taking your child to the doctor regularly for consultations, keeping him safe from accidents, providing a nutritious diet, and encouraging exercise throughout childhood, you help protect and strengthen his body.

• Help your child foster positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the community.

• One of your most important gifts as a parent is to help your child develop self-esteem. Your child needs your steady support and encouragement to discover his strengths. He needs you to believe in him as he learns to believe in himself. Loving him, spending time with him, listening to him and praising his accomplishments are all part of this process.

• Use plenty of positive words with your child and establish eye contact when encouraging/praising so you know your child has really heard you. Try to avoid using sarcasm with your child. They often don’t understand it, and if they do, it creates a negative interaction.

• Don't forget to say, "I love you" to children of all ages!

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