The father of a two year old son, asked: What do I need to know to be a great parent?
With that in mind I sent the following note to Stephen:
You are right, Steven, to try to learn as much as you can about parenting. As a pediatrician for 40 years and father of 4 kids and grandfather to 12 more, I have a few things that might help you.
First of all, be the person you want your son to become, because, like it or not, he will become you!
2) Have dinner, breakfast, or lunch with him at least 5 times a week, starting 2 years ago.
3) Read to him at least 20 minutes 2 times a day. More is better.
4) Put him to bed at the same time every night.
5) Don’t let him watch TV more than an hour a day, and NEVER put a TV or computer in his bedroom not even when he’s 15!
6) Don’t worry if he doesn’t like to eat something. Or if he seems not to eat anything. Toddlers and little kids do not eat much, so if he doesn’t eat what’s on his plate don’t comment, nag, beg or in any way pay attention to it. He will eat more at the next meal.
7) If he is not toilet trained you need to get on that. Dads, not moms, should train boys. You both have the same plumbing, show him how to use it. He’ll catch on in a day or two.
8) Tell him what you want him to do or not to do. But tell him only once. Do not count to 3, 100, or 7,000. If he does not act after telling him one time he must face the consequences. Rare is the child who needs spanking. Kids who do, usually have parents who are inadequate. There are many other consequences to misbehavior.
9) Tell him often how much he pleases you and how much you love him. Demonstrate that love by being a parent — adviser, teacher, confidant, good role model, but not a friend.
10) Get involved in an organized religion and attend services regularly.
Hey, it really is that easy!