So I was asked to share some of my parenting skills in my blog. I guess I do have a few skills up my sleeve. But I'm no expert. I'm learning along the way just like most of you mommies!
One of the biggest things I tell my friends is "talk to your child". No matter how old they are. I started talking to Camden since he was born. And not baby talk either. What is baby talk anyway? You want your child to say "mama" but you steadily saying "googoo-gaga". Does that even make sense? ....let's move on, that makes me upset lol!
Talking to your child as an adult allows your child to pick up on wider vocabulary and comprehension skills. A child's mind is always developing and growing. Why not take advantage of that? When your child is young you should talk to them about everything. Are you confused? Here's an example. Before you put that cold baby wipe on your baby's bum, tell them what's about to come. Simple as "this is about to be cold sweetie, but mommy has to wipe your butt-butt". This establishes not only communication but security.
Once your child gets older and starts talking your ear off, brace yourselves, talk back to them. Engage in conversation. Answer all their strange questions. Today Camden asked me where he needs to go to find the bad guys? What kind of question is that? Hahaha! I have no clue where the bad guys are. But you know what I told him, "anybody that hurts you or mommy and the people you love are the bad guys, and munchkin they are all around us". Then he continues and says "Is auntie Destiny the bad guy?" I respond back with "most of the time yes" lol! I like to have a little fun with our conversations ;-)
Another point about talking with your children, remember to talk to them about any changes or new things you are introducing them to. Just like we as adults like to know ahead of time about things, so do our kids. If you don't do this that might be why new rules or activities you put in place aren't successful with your children. They are caught off guard and left to put the pieces together themselves.
When I decided to potty train Camden we had a long talk about it. We went over it everyday for a week before. Talked about what kind of underwear he wanted, discussed the reward of doing a good job, showed him how to sit and use the pot, washing hands, flushing the toilet, how much tissue to use, and how to pull down his pants. We talked about it all. And the day he started he was able to tell me back what we talked about. Make sure when you are talking to your children you are asking them questions in relation to the topic so you can see if they understand and so you can reinforce it.
As single moms we should want someone to talk to. Take advantage of your children, talk their heads off! I mean they talk to you nonstop, return the favor.