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June 21, 2004:
Good
Parenting
Interview
with Dr. Laurence Steinberg author of the book, The
10 Basic Principles Of Good Parenting
Mike Carruthers:
IHow well a kid turns out has a lot to do with how good their
parents are
Dr. Laurence
Steinberg:
The science says that they're no more important influence
on children than their parents. So, the first thing that the
parents need to know that they really matter an awful lot.
Dr. Laurence
Steinberg author of the book The
10 Basic Principles Of Good Parenting says one of the most
important principles of parenting is consistency.
Because
we find that the greatest source of disciplinary problems in
households is parental inconsistency. So then you can look at
your own behavior or your spouses behavior and say "Hey,
this is a problem for us, we don't stick to our guns we do change
our mind therefore we're maybe contributing to our child's problem
behavior".
Another
important principle is to really be involved in your child's
life.
To know
who your kid's friends are, to know where your kid's spend their
time when the parents are not around. To know who their kid's
teachers are and what their learning in school and to attend
those school programs. And that will show up in your child's
improved behavior.
But every
parent makes mistakes in raising their children and Dr. Steinberg
says that's ok.
I think
what we understand from the science of parenting is that it's
the general climate in which a child develops that matters.
And in fact if you've made a mistake admit it, admit it to yourself
as your child is old enough admit it to your child and then
move on. Don't beat yourself up over it.
Tomorrow,
can you love a child too much? I'm Mike Carruthers and that's
Something You Should Know.
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