The best parenting advice of 2009

(ARA) - Parenting opinions are like elbows - virtually everyone has at least one and they vary widely in how attractive they appear to others. Some parenting advice stands the test of time and gets passed down from generation to generation of successive parents. Other ideas come and go in the blink of an eye.

The past year had its share of new - and time-tested - ideas in the world of parenting. From the re-emergence of low-tech toys that challenge kids' imaginations, to realistic New Year's resolutions to learning not to compare your child's progress with that of his peers, parenting advice in 2009 took a decidedly practical turn.

Perhaps driven by the complicated and out-of-control economy, parenting trends and concepts reflected Americans' desire to simplify and find stability. Here's a recap of some of the top parenting advice and trends from 2009:

Being a better parent

Who doesn't look for ways to be a better parent? Parents.com offered an eight-step primer of suggestions for parents struggling with that question in 2009. Tips ranged from sanity-savers like avoid comparisons between your child and others (they are all individuals and develop at their own pace) to recommendations that may challenge your instincts, such as let them make mistakes and do nothing every once in a while.

Some tips addressed helping your child avoid the creation of bad habits. For example, replace that cookie reward or the comforting bottle with simple verbal praise or a hug, experts advised. This will help children avoid developing an association between food and comfort - a habit that could lead to eating problems later in life.

Trend talking

Parenting trends also took a turn toward the practical and simple. More families ate meals at home together - a practice many experts agree teaches kids important values and dietary habits - and parents began incorporating adult tastes into nurseries, allowing the rooms to do double duty as guest rooms or work spaces.

Some families stayed home, foregoing travel, but those who did travel trended towards more modest, affordable vacations, like weekend getaways to a nearby driving destination or camping in a national park. And more families will be dealing naturally with cold and flu season, replacing medicines with natural remedies like honey to soothe a sore throat or nasal washing to relieve congestion.

Real resolutions

As 2009 wound down, many Americans were making New Year's resolutions. But alongside the long-shot resolutions like visiting every continent this year, or the just plain hard-to-keep like shedding and keeping off those extra 35 pounds, many parents were trying out new New Year's resolutions intended for real people parenting in the real world.

Parents.com polled readers to cull the best real-life New Year's resolutions for parents. Among the top picks were:

* Put a cap on your work day - Instead of bringing work home with you, or staying in the office late every night, commit to an ending time for your work day - and devote the rest of the day to your children.

* Resolve to keep a cleaner home - It's hard to keep after housework when you're juggling so much, but cutting clutter and keeping up with the laundry can help create a more pleasant home environment for everyone.

* Show your children a healthy marriage - Being a good parent also requires being a good spouse. Make time to spend with your spouse as a couple - children who see that their parents have a healthy, loving marriage will be more secure, confident and happy.

You can find more parenting advice, news, tips and trends at www.parents.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent