- Regard him as a human being who is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Show an interest in him. Be there for him when he is involved in something special.
- Forbid his siblings from calling him names or hurting his feelings.
- Correct him by explaining what he needs to do without insulting him.
- Train him to be self-confident. Take time to help him learn to do everyday jobs and
tasks.
- Compare him to himself and nobody else.
- Encourage him to think of his own solutions for solving problems. Show confidence
in him.
- Show an interest in his opinion. Include his ideas in family decisions.
- Acknowledge what he does well in all of his efforts.
- Communicate to him that you value his effort.
- Help him develop independence. Give him opportunities to do things on his own.
- Remain emotionally connected to him, even when you are disappointed or upset with
him.
- Be gentle when helping him recognize areas he needs to improve in.
- Give him at least two hugs a day.
- Tell him daily that you love him.
- Intentionally plan to spend time alone with him.
- Establish clear rules and consequences and be prompt to enforce them.
- Confront him about the problem at hand only.
- Acknowledge his accomplishments.
- Love him no matter what.
- Correct him and let him know it is because you want him to be his best.
- Wait until you are calm before you discipline him.
- Give him a reason why whenever you discipline him.
- Use consequences that are not overwhelming.
- Address him with the same respect you want to be addressed with.
- Say “no” and tell him your reason why.
- Speak to him in ways that respect and protect his feelings.
- Discuss his problems with him privately.
- Make giving him your attention a top priority.
- Make him feel just as valued and important as his brothers and sisters.
- Let him know that you care about his feelings.
- Be intentional about doing and saying things that make him feel important.
- Help him develop a positive self-image of himself.
- Apologize to him whenever you have wrongfully offended him.
- Respect that he is a unique individual without comparing to his other parent.
- Always be honest with him.
- Regard family mealtime together as crucial to nurturing his self-worth and your relationship
with him.