Do you need any more parenting advice or techniques? Because every child and every situation is different, how can any one person be an expert? Parenting is a fluid practice, it’s learning from experience and from your kids.
There is one little book I do recommend. It’s titled Always Kiss Me Goodnight: Instructions on Raising the Perfect Parent by 147 kids who know, compiled by J.S. Salt. When J.S. Salt and his wife were expecting their first child, he had many questions about how to parent. It occurred to him that kids would have some answers. Thus, he visited fourteen schools and talked with one thousand kids from various economic and ethnic backgrounds.
His question for the children was simply: “What makes a good parent?” The kids had touching and interesting things to say. Here’s a summary. Children mostly want you to be interested in their lives and respect their experiences. It’s a low-tech request. No expensive equipment or specialized training required.
Kids in this little book appreciated being able to share moments of the day, stories and feelings. Talking, and just as importantly, listening is how to build our connections.
Conversation also introduces kids to more vocabulary. The simple act of talking builds early literacy skills in children, as early as newborns and continuing on up.
Talk to me is good advice from children and from parenting ‘experts’. If you speak another language, that’s a bonus. It’s easier to learn a language in the early years.
Isn’t it good to know simply talking has many benefits for your family? Enjoy chatting with your baby. You both have interesting things to share.
