Raising Well Rounded Children

Being a Good Parent There are many ways to raise happy, well-adjusted kids, however, science has a few tips for making sure that they turn out okay. From keeping it fun to allowing them leave the nest, then here are 10 research-based methods for great parenting.

Let Go

When the children fly the nest, research suggests that it 's best to let them go. College freshmen with hovering, interfering helicopter parents are more likely to be stressed, self-conscious and not as receptive to new experiences than their counterparts with more relaxed mothers and dads. This doesn't mean you need to kick your offspring into the curb in 18, but should you discover yourself calling your kid 's professors to argue about his mark, it may be time to measure.

Don't overexplain

It's important to communicate with your children, but children don't want a full-blown excuse for every decision you make, said Klein, who encourages parents to discuss important decisions with children and let the little decisions, such as what's for supper, go unexplained.

Encourage friendships

Preteen and teenage friendships may sometimes seem a little problematic for parents (why would anybody want to walk around the mall for hours and hours?) , but these relationships are very essential for the development of a kid 's social abilities. They're practicing adult social skills in a safe setting, and they're really not good at it initially, said Sheryl Feinstein. Friends help adolescents learn skills like negotiating, compromising and team preparation.

Be considerate

Wish to raise polite children? Consider adding the words please and thank you for your own vocabulary. Kids learn how to socialize with other people mainly by observing how grown-ups take action and then mimicking that behavior themselves, according to Klein. So if you treat everyone -- from cashiers and bus drivers to teachers and family members -- with respect and politeness, it is likely that your kids will, as well.