I came across a copy of an article written by Ann Landers in the early 90’s while cleaning my home office. Remember her? She always had the answers to so many questions from her loyal readers. Parents from Pasadena shared with Ann Landers their alphabet method of raising children and what great skills they became for me. I made a copy for my children as they have children! Hopefully, the trend will carry on for generations to come. If more parents followed these rules, I think our children will be the better person for it. What do you think?
A is for Accountability. Hold your children accountable for their behavior.
B is for Boundaries. Set specific limits, and make clear the repercussions if those limits are exceeded.
C is for Consistency. Hold to the same principles and practices.
D is for Discipline. Make the punishment fit the crime. Never discipline in anger.
E is for Example. Children are in greater need of models than critics. Set a good example.
F is for Forgiveness. Practice it, and teach the importance of forgiving.
G is for Giving. Teach the joy of giving, not only to family and friends, but to strangers in need.
H is for sense of Humor. Keep your sense of humor. Promote laughter with your children.
I is for Imagination. Be creative, and play with your children. Make up stories or songs when you read and sing with them.
J is for Justice. Be fair, and insist that they be fair, too.
K is for Knowing your children’s friends and their parents as well as their teachers.
L is for Listening. Listen to your children. It will teach them how to listen to others, and their thoughts will give insights.
M is for Morals. Be sure your own standard of conduct is sound.
N is for No. Use it and mean it!
O is for Outdoors. Provide as much outdoor activity as possible. Teach respect for nature.
P is for Pressure. Reduce the pressure on your children, but insist they maintain high standards.
Q is for Questions. Pay close attention to their questions, and give simple answers unless they demand more.
R is for Respect. Show respect, teach respect and earn respect.
S is for source of Strength. Share your own faith or beliefs with your children. Faith can be their part in the storms of life later.
T is for Togetherness. Have special, designated times to be together as a family – but know when to let go, too.
U is for Uniqueness. Understand that uniqueness of each child and let that child be who he or she is.
V is for Voice. Tone of voice can convey more to a child than the words spoken.
W is for Words. Keep your word. Promises broken destroy trust.
Y is for You. Take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. A happy parent helps a child to be happy.
Z is for Zowie! Who would have thought they would grow up so quickly!
