How would you take care of yourself like you would your own child?

Ask yourself how an ideal mother or father would parent you.
~ They provide fresh, healthy food, opportunities every day for exercise and play, and a regular bedtime with no electronic devices in the bedroom.
~ They ensure that the child has a safe home and environment, but also they allow a degree of risk, such as climbing trees or riding a bicycle. They don't molly-coddle or overprotect, but they do teach appropriate precautions.
~ They listen carefully to the feelings and emotions about things, and if, necessary might refram things to give you a more realistic and compassionate perspective.
They spend at least half an hour a day in conversation with the child, giving their full and undivided attention.
~ They teach and model good communication and conflict resolution skills.
~ They treat siblings equally and ensure that all needs are met, but none to excess. They intercede in quarrels, find out what's really happening and respond fairly.
~ They teach how to defer gratification for a greater reward later.
~ They teach strong but appropriately flexible boundaries.
~ They don't give in to tantrums.
~ They firmly correct mistakes but never with physical punishment.
~ They model and teach good ethics and deep empathy.
~ They give attention and affection appropriately and abundantly.
~ They encourage the child to develop an intense love of learning, and they encourage the child's natural talents and positive interests.
~ They give the child plenty of opportunities for emotionally healthy social interaction with others - ie, if they suspect bullying they intervene to stop and prevent it immediately.