b"Chapter 11 7.Be flexible and ready to adjust your parenting style: If you often feel,Disappointedwith your child's behavior, you may have unrealistic expectations. Parents who thinkshould,for example,my child shouldbetoilet-trainedalready,mightfindithelpfultoeducate themselves on the topic or talk to other parents or child development specialists.Children's environment has an effect on their behavior, so you may be able to change that behavior by changing the environment.If you find yourself constantly sayingnoto your two-year-old, look forwaystochangeyourenvironmentsothatfewerthingsareoff limits. This will cause less frustration for both of you.Asyourchildchanges,youwillneedtograduallychangeyour parenting style. Chances are, what works with your child now won't work as well in a year or two.Teenagers tend to look less to their parents and more to their peers for role models.Butcontinue to provide guidance,encouragement, andappropriatedisciplinewhileempoweringyourteen.Andtake advantage of every available moment to establish a connection!8.Showthatyourloveisunconditional:asaparent,youhavethe responsibility to correct and guide your children. But how you express yourcorrectiveorientationmakesallthedifferenceinhowachild receives it.When confronting your child, avoid blaming, criticizing, or finding fault, which damages self-esteem and can lead to resentment.Instead, try to intellectually nurture and encourage your children, even when disciplining them. Make sure they know even if you want and expect better next time, your love is there no matter what.9.Know your own needs and boundaries as a parent: admit it, you're an imperfect parent. You have strengths and weaknesses as the head of the family. Recognize your abilities such as love and devotion. Make a vowtoworkonyourweaknesses,suchastheneedtobemore consistentwithdiscipline.Trytohaverealisticexpectationsfor yourself, your partner, and your children. You don't have to have all the answers, be kind to yourself.Try to make parenting a manageable task. Focus on the areas that need the most attention rather than trying to solve everything at once. 366Germain Decelles"