- Treat your child with respect. Talk to her and ask questions. Be polite. Avoid nagging, yelling and hitting. If your child misbehaves in public, take her home. Avoid humiliating her. Maybe she is tired or hungry. Next time, plan the outing after she has had a nap and a snack.
- Be consistent. Don't be permissive one moment and strict the next. Make sure rules apply to everyone, even you. Make promises only when you're sure you can keep them.
- As parents, consult with each other and maintain a united front so that your child will not try to "play off" one parent against the other.
- Encourage your child. Help build confidence. Say, "I know you can do it." Tell her, "You worked really hard on that." Avoid criticism. Don't compare one child to another.
- Express love. Say the words: "I love you." Give pats, hugs, and kisses.
- Take time for fun. Do things you both enjoy.
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