By Dana Goldberg

Parenting can be a daunting prospect even for the most accomplished and the most prepared. Good parenting is a balance of many different factors and you will need to discipline as well as spend good, quality time with your child. In this modern age, time is of a premium. Even when parents do find they have some spare time to interact with their children this time is often spent worrying about what needs to be done next.

Make sure you set aside some time every day to spend with your child or children and when you do, try to concentrate solely on them. If you appear withdrawn or distracted your child will notice and in many cases they will associate it with their own actions. Do things that will educate and entertain them and remember that socializing is as educational as any other activity.

A well-socialized child will grow into well-adapted young adult. Usually, they will easily make friends and treat people with respect. They will also be able to attract similar responses from those around them. Socializing should start very early on and playgroups can be an excellent opportunity to interact with children of their own and different ages. Because there are a number of children at playgroups and parents can attend, a playgroup should become something to look forward to.

By setting aside this time every day or routinely attending playgroups you are already beginning to build a good structure in your child’s life. Your future parenting requirements will be greatly helped by this. Children appreciate structure because it helps them to concentrate and it makes them feel at ease, but if they are unaccustomed to this structured way of life then they will find it difficult to adapt when you start demanding it. If you work unusual hours or stay at work late it can be difficult to include this structure, but you should do so whenever you can.

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