With love and laughs,

Janine Mitchell
Communications Coordinator

NH Children's Trust
603-224-1279

Time is the magic ingredient. If you invest time in  your child, it has the power to transform his or her life, and it is renewable and free! Your time is just as valuable to a newborn as it is to a high school senior. So, whether you're rocking your child to sleep, or rocking out in the front seat of his or her new car, be sure you're there.

Ashley Marie Photography

Following up on Rule 1, there's ways to spend time without being in the same place. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone or start up your webcam - make sure your child knows you are interested in their life. Dads who live under a separate roof can still protect their children with their guidance, their concern and their care.

Your son or daughter watches you for cues about the right way to live. If you stay physically active, your child will want to, too. If you smoke, your child is more likely to smoke, and so on. Good health is a gift you give your child - and yourself.

Building a bond starts with effective communication. Talk to your child as you'd like to be talked to - and ask the same of them. Be a patient and empathetic listener, you want your child to feel he or she can come to you without judgement. Give praise and point out the positive traits in your son or daughter, as well as accomplishments. Remember as a parent, you are their first best friend in life.

It's OK to hug your child and say, "I love you!" Don't stop when your child gets older. Showing affection assures your child they are loved and they matter.

Have a checklist for stressful times, during or after crisis. It is easy to lose sight of communication and effective parenting skills during uncomfortable situations. Check in with your children, they can sense your stress and often times it will rub off on them.

Yes, its important to be present in your child's life. But also, be cognizant that you are not Superman! Take some time for yourself. If you take care of your physical and mental health, you will be a better dad.

Ah, the dreaded question, "Have you done your homework?" Before children are old enough, parents are their teachers. But, when they go off to school, stay interested in their development. 

No parent should play "good guy" all the time, letting a child do as she or he pleases without limits. But, that doesn't mean you have to be a bad guy either. The key is to stay calm and nonviolent, and to be fair. Don't frighten or harm, Teach and guide. If potty training isn't going as well as planned and your son or daughter has an accident, it is going to be frustrating for both of you. Remember there are two sides to every story and your feelings are no more valid than your son or daughter's.

Parenting is never a one-man show. Try to make connections with community members, teachers, friends and family so everyone can work together to raise your son or daughter. Show respect for your co-parent, family members or caregivers and it will teach your child how to get along with others and the importance of cherishing and working on relationships.

Have fun together! Take a load off and be a kid again. This includes your infant! Young children naturally reach out for interaction through babbling, facial expressions, and gestures, and adults respond with the same kind of vocalizing and gesturing back at them. This back-and-forth process is fundamental to the wiring of the brain, especially in the earliest years. When your kids get a little older, bring them to activities you enjoyed when you were their age, or be open to their suggestions. What's most important is the playful quality time you spend laughing and ultimately bonding together.

It's never ever too late to improve your parenting. Whether your third child is just born or your children are teens or adults, there is always room to improve, bond and assure their importance in your life. In addition, stay up to date with parenting courses and articles - you never know what will apply to you.

Now, head out for a day of giggles, or a quick phone conversation and know you are making their day, month, year and life better.

Sincerely,
New Hampshire Children's Trust
10 Ferry Street, Suite 315
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
603-224-1279