
Alabama Parenting Hacks: Tips for Raising Southern Stars
For many years dozens of people have told me "You should really start sharing tips about that..."

In my mind, I'm not an expert in this field so I felt like I had no space to offer advice or tips to anyone. I don't feel like I've mastered this area. When I think about it, who has ever actually mastered the art of being a parent?
As a father of a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old, I KNOW that I'm not an expert, but I have some information to offer other parents. Check out a few tips I've learned along the way while raising my kids.
Dress The Kids Last
Someone told me this when I first had my kids. It wasn't that I didn't listen to them intentionally, it's just that we had small babies so it didn't matter that much. Now with toddlers, I completely understand! It's such a hassle to get your kids ready then as you're getting dressed, they've now gotten into something and ruined their clothes or caused a big mess before leaving the house. Getting dressed yourself and then getting your kids ready ensures there is no time for destruction before walking out of the house.
Empower Your Kids
I know and understand how frustrating it can be to let your kids complete a task while cooking, or while fixing something within the home. I've always said "I will make sure my kids do as much as they want" when it comes to chores or tasks or learning how to do something. As the years have flown by, I realized that it never felt like the right time because they'd make a mess and it'd be more work for me to clean afterward. Even with that said, LET THEM. Empower your kids to do these things like help cook, clean, and do other tasks. It does wonders for their confidence.
Do Things Different
It's easy to mimic how your parents raised you when you become a parent. There's nothing wrong with it, but just remember you have your own wants for your family. Also, every child is different. What was good for you 15-plus years ago may not be the best thing for your child.
Allow Space
Don't forget to give your child space to be free and explore things sometimes. It's one of the best ways they learn. Let them roam outside, safely of course. Give them free time around the house without technology to discover and explore things they ma overlook due to being wrapped up in technology.
Be Silly
Kids LOVE to play. I'm sure we all know this, but with the stresses of being an adult, it's easy to become the mean parent where all you do is make demands and complain about what they're not doing correctly. During the most random of times, be silly with your kids. It goes a long way.
Set Up Routines
It sounds crazy but kids need those routines. I was a fighter of this because I'm not one to have routines myself. I've learned that it's important and it helps create balance for your life in other areas that don't involve your kids.
Are there any tips I missed? Are you a soon-to-be parent and have questions?
Shoot me an email and let me know at DreDay@Townsquaremedia.com. Even if I don't have advice, I'll reach out to some trusted parents that I know in the area. Let's become better parents together!
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