Best Parenting Advice – Part II

Here’s more great parenting advice that we compiled from readers’ suggestions over the years. To read the previous article, click Best Parenting Advice – Part I.

Parenting Advice #6: Don’t set your sights to high on what kind of dad you should be.

Every dad wants to be a “great dad,” but we all lose our temper, need a break from the kids, and sometimes wonder what we might have done without the responsibilities of parenthood. We’re all human, so give yourself a break from worrying that you could be better. Just try to be the best dad you can be at your next shot, whether that is story-reading time tonight or a day at a ballgame this weekend.

Parenting Advice #7: Buy a minivan.

Though not really a “tough” vehicle, a minivan is the perfect family vehicle for its sheer practicality and the comfort it offers.

Parenting Advice #8: Watch cartoons with your kids. Learn the lyrics to the songs. Get MP3s and play them in the car.

The kids will be impressed that you want to join their club.


Parenting Advice #9: Start planning for college fund NOW.


Parenting Advice #10: Be consistent.

Kids like structure and the more you repeat and model consistent behavior, the better chance your kids will act accordingly.

Parenting Advice #11: Learn a few magic tricks.

The granddaddy of them all is the French Drop, where you seemingly grab a coin from one hand and make it disappear. This trick is extremely portable, requires only a coin, and will mystify small children and some dimwitted adults. Search “French Drop” on YouTube for many good tutorials.

Parenting Advice #12: Take a break.

If you work hard and also spend a lot of time with your kids, you need a break every once in a while. Couples who find time to spend alone without kids are better able to maintain close relationships. Time away can be just a date night, or a planned weekend away.

Organizing childcare is not easy, but most couples find that time away gives a reassuring jolt to their relationship and reminds them why they found each other in the first place. This is very valuable especially if you’re wondering what you have in common besides the kids.

Want more great parenting advice? Read Best Parenting Advice – Part III.