What do your children need most from you? Is it the chocolate chip ice-cream in the freezer? In this information packed world, we face the constant clamor of parenting advice that ends up confusing you. Taking care of kids is essential but it is not the only thing your child wants. Here are some things you need to do that your child is going to thank you for later in life.

I Love You

We know you love your kids a lot but remember to tell them on every chance that you get. However, Laurence Steinberg, MD, a psychology professor at Temple University and author of The 10 Basic Principles of Good Parenting, says that just words are not enough. Parents need to make their kids feel loved.

A Santa Monica mom, for instance, shows her three teens that she loves them by getting to know the people who are important to them. She even has a gallon of chocolate chip ice-cream in the freezer at all times for her son’s best friend. This is a good way of showing that you love your kids and the people who are important to them.

Most parents – when the kid gets older – stop telling them they love them. This is the biggest mistake they can make. As children are growing up they need their parents' support and love. They are on the brink of making lifelong secessions and they need to know that their parents are backing them up.

Structure and Limits

Dr Steinberg believes that American parents are very lenient as compared to parents in other parts of the world. Parents hesitate to impose their authority on their kids and it is becoming more and more difficult for children to be obedient to their parents.

They have an obscure idea where their boundaries lie but they don’t feel reluctant to tread past them. Lenore Sleazy, author of Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry), says it is important to discipline kids. It is not only beneficial for parents but also for the kids. They feel more confident and reassured.

Conversation

It is important for parents to have meaningful conversations with their kids. Parents should be able to express their opinions and feelings with their kids so that they know what is acceptable and what is not with their family. Parents need to be involved in their kids’ life, never interfering but always guiding.

Of course every relationship between parents and their kids is important. It is important to know how to take care of kids and fulfill their psychical needs but it is more important to give them an attitude that they would be proud of one day.