Secrets From the Parenting Trenches

Raising two little boys to develop into responsible, generous, and kind young men is a daily work in progress. Let me share some secrets I’ve learned in the past eight years.

by Christa Melnyk Hines

Mud, dirt and boxes provide hours of entertainment.

Warming up to sing opera in the middle of the grocery store will turn spotlight-averse fighting siblings into model citizens.

Incentives and rewards work for kids … and parents.

Talking and listening to your kids matters.

The first time your child says he loves you, takes a step, or rides a bike without training wheels, you’ll cry.

Save the notes your child writes you.

Write notes to your child.  

Spending time with your spouse making dinner and watching a movie after the kids go to bed is almost as much fun as a night out.

Kids are curious. Be curious, too.

Kids will forget their backpack, socks and a coat, but they’ll never forget a promise you regret making three days ago.