Not books, but from experience:
1) Consistency in discipline
2) Despite divorce, work as a team - don’t undermine each other’s authority in the eyes of the child. If a punishment has been given by the other (e.g. one week without t.v. for something), enforce it together, no matter whose house he is staying at.
3) Always demonstrate good moral character. Don’t lie to someone in front of him (even the little ones like “Tell Aunt Jean I’m in the shower”, while you’re standing right there). Model kindness and compassion to other people - not that phony baloney talk but no action, but have him see you being good to people who need help, even when you are having a bad day.
4) Always remind him of the consequences of his actions. When he does something that hurts someone else, show him how his actions hurt others. When he does something good for someone else (like befriending the bullied kid) show him how his bravery and kindness have made a difference in someone else’s life.
5) If you are religious, take him to church, where he can see a whole community of adults who live their faith.
and of course: love, love, love
Good luck to you!
EXCELLENT INPUTS:
1) Consistency in discipline
2) Despite divorce, work as a team - don’t undermine each other’s authority in the eyes of the child. If a punishment has been given by the other (e.g. one week without t.v. for something), enforce it together, no matter whose house he is staying at.
3) Always demonstrate good moral character. Don’t lie to someone in front of him (even the little ones like “Tell Aunt Jean I’m in the shower”, while you’re standing right there). Model kindness and compassion to other people - not that phony baloney talk but no action, but have him see you being good to people who need help, even when you are having a bad day.
4) Always remind him of the consequences of his actions. When he does something that hurts someone else, show him how his actions hurt others. When he does something good for someone else (like befriending the bullied kid) show him how his bravery and kindness have made a difference in someone else’s life.
5) If you are religious, take him to church, where he can see a whole community of adults who live their faith.
and of course: love, love, love