If your like me you have read many parenting books over the years.  What really works?  The best way to raise truly happy and healthy children can be spending time with them.  What children want the most is to spend time with their parents.  Children love to play with their parents.  Reading books, playing outside, making cookies are especially enjoyable to children.  They may love getting gifts, but the best gift you can give them is your time. 

Respecting our children is also very important.  You may think that their opinion or problems dont really matter, but they are a big deal in their life.  If you spend time talking to your kids in a comfortable relaxing setting, they will really open up to you and tell you whats on their mind.  Problems at school or with the neighbor kids can be big issues with your children.  To minimize their stress, you as a parent can help them cope with peer pressure, bullying, jealousy and many other problems.  If these issues are not discussed, children can become anxious or depressed.  Many may have trouble concentrating at school. 

Children should bring delight to their parents.  We should be proud of what are children can accomplish.  Give them praise and honor.  Show excitement when they return home from school.  Ask them how their day was, what happened at school that day and what they learned. 

Make sure your children have good wholesome entertainment and associates.  Many in the world today give their children too much freedom and the parents do not monitor what their children are doing or where their children are.  When the neighbor kids come over do you ask them if their parents know where they are?  Ask them how long they are allowed to stay.  I always give my children a time limit of play outside or at a friends house.