10 Ways to Become a Better Parent This Week

1. Read to your kid(s) for an hour each evening.

2. Tell your kid(s) a story each night before they go to bed about something you did as a child that was adventurous. And say it with excitement as if you were reliving the moment.

3. Teach your child(ren) a new hobby.

4. Just walk up to your child out of nowhere and smother them with kisses until they beg you to stop.

5. Have your kid(s) cook a big fantastic meal with you. Talk them through the recipe, tell stories, and have fun preparing the best dinner ever. Make it a new family ritual.

6. Just listen to your kid(s). Let them tell you a story.

7. Take your kids on a nature hike. Point out all the wonderful things in nature. Make sure to quiz them on the ride home.

8. After dinner tell the kids to get in the car. Tell them it is a surprise. Drive down to Dairy Queen and get the biggest ice cream sundae on the menu.

9. Ask your kids about school and what parts of it they like. Let them tell you all about their day from the minute they walk into school until the minute they get home. Ask them about their friends and what they are like.

10. Bring home a new pair of ice hockey skates and take them to the ice hockey rink for an hour or two. When you get home have some hot cocoa together under a blanket on the couch.