Parenting is harder than any corporate job out there. It’s constant learning, and no one can crack the right code to it yet. To become a better parent you need to invest a lot of time effort and energy and there is absolutely no shortcut to it. Moreover, you will realize how every child is different and would require a different parenting style to bring out the best of them. But, there are a few general ways that will help every kid regardless of their nature and circumstances. Following are the 9 ways that will help you become a better parent for your children.
Encourage and boost your kid’s self-esteem
Kids understand the expressions and body language of their parents from an early age. Even when they are babies and unable to speak, they will understand your body language towards them. You must boost their self-esteem and show them encouragement. It does not have to be anything major, even in daily life, you can motivate your child in small chores. For example, if they enjoy painting you can encourage them to practice it more. It will show them that their parents believe in them and will stand by them through anything.
Compliment more than criticize
If you find yourself always pinpointing and criticizing your child, change that approach right away. Start complimenting them and finding the good in their actions. It will give the kid confidence and motivation to become a better person. If you are only criticizing and punishing them, they will not know anything better to do and therefore, they won’t learn anything.
Prioritize communication
Just like any adult relationship, communication is important with kids as well. If you are saying ‘no’ only, the kids might not listen because they won’t understand the reason behind it. You must explain and reason with them. It encourages nonjudgmental learning for the kid. Parents who talk, explain, question, and reason with their children responsibly like with an adult, have more understanding kids. These children know the reasons for every ‘no’ and understand why they are prohibited. It is easier for them to follow instructions.
Be consistent with your disciplinary principles
Always set your limits and principles for your kid. These principles depend on your priorities and moral values and do not have to be inspired under any pressure. Once you have set a group of rules, stick to it. Your kid must know that you are strict about your rules otherwise they won’t take it seriously either.
Be present for your child
Always be there for your child. A parent is the child’s whole world because they don’t really understand other relations as much. Whether it’s a small victory, academic achievement, developmental milestone, learning a skill, or something emotionally draining, just be present. They should know that in every walk of life their parents will be standing there to fall back on. This assurance makes it easier for them to take risks and step out of their comfort zone to achieve bigger and better goals.
Make yourself a good role model
You can’t expect your child to do something that you don’t do. For example, if you want them to finish the food off their plates, you cant be leaving behind in yours. Teach them by showing them. Children mostly do what they see people around them doing. If you are setting a good example for them, they will learn good things automatically. If you want to become a better parent, become a good role model first.
Be flexible and learn to accept your mistakes
You must be flexible in your parenting. No one is perfect and it is okay to make mistakes. Moreover, something might seem wrong to you and your child have a better explanation for it. Learning from your mistakes and rectifying them will help you build a stronger bond with your kid. You obviously don’t have to agree to unreasonable stuff, but always give a thought to your child’s request or opinion. Lastly, there’s no one perfect way of parenting. No fixed time for your baby’s training and growth. Every child is different and it’s okay if your kid is not potty trained till 4 years of age. Don’t drain out yourself over it.
Express your love unconditionally
Show your child that you love them without any conditions. When expressing love, do not set any conditions. For example when your child does something wrong and gets hurt, instead of blaming and fault-finding them try to explain and communicate what you expect from them. It will discipline them without resenting you as they will clearly know what you expect from them.
Understand your own strengths and weaknesses
The most important thing to be better at any job is to understand your own weaknesses and strengths. If you think you are failing in sticking to your rules, accept it and then think of ways to fix it. Acceptance is the first step to fix anything. To become a better parent, you must accept where you are failing and where you are strong. It will help you to fix your approach better.
