15 Tips on How to Be a Better Parent
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I try to always do what I can do be a better parent for my child, but sometimes I still think I can do better. I work hard in terms of trying to make money and care for my family, but I also want to make sure I’m putting my family first. At times, I also feel too exhausted to do much with my daughter. So, this leaves me wondering, am I doing enough? Am I showing her that I love her enough? What else can I do to be a better mom? For example, sometimes I feel as if I’m not paying enough attention to her or “being present.”
Rest assured, caring about being a parent probably means you are a good parent. However, there are lots of easy to incorporate strategies and tips that can help anyone be a better a parent.
Tips for Being a Better Parent
1.Give your child lots of love. Hug your child and cuddle with them every day. Even in the midst of a tantrum, sometimes a hug is what your child needs.
2.Validate their feelings. Young children want to still be heard and feel like someone understands them. So, it’s important to try to listen and understand the emotions that your child is feeling. And help your child label these emotions, so they can better understand what they are feeling.
3. Be a good role model. This goes for a lot of things. For example, I even have to tell my husband to watch his language at times, because our daughter can pick up on this. Also, if you want your child to be active, take them outside and play. Go to the park or go for a walk. And do this consistently. If you want your child to be a good reader, turn off your tv and read a book yourself.
4. Show your child the same respect that you want from him or her. Listen and respect your child’s own ideas and boundaries.
5.Do what you can do boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem. This will help your child feel valued and that they are enough. Part of this can involve praising your children when they do something good. For other great tips on boosting your child’s confidence, click here.
6.Teach your child good habits early on. For example, this can include good eating habits such as providing at least one fruit and one vegetable at each meal. This can also include good hygiene such as washing hands, brushing one’s teeth, and taking baths. This makes it more likely these habits will “stick” later on.
7. Listen attentively when your child is talking. Again, children want to be heard. I’m guilty of trying to listen while also looking at my phone or computer. So, it’s important to remove distractions and listen to your children. This will help them feel valued and that you are interested in what they have to say.
8.Stay calm when an argument or tantrum occurs with your child. Emotions can definitely run high, so it’s important to stay cool to prevent things from escalating even more. If you feel yourself getting angry or upset, take a time out. This can involve walking out of the room for a minute or taking a short walk.
9. Even if your child fails at something, praise them for their effort. It may be helpful to discuss what mistakes were made and what can be done to help improve upon the situation. For example, if your child failed a test, and they studied, praise them for their effort at studying and trying. Then, help them problem solve what went wrong. Did they study enough and did they study the right things?
10.Allow your child time to be a child. I have been teaching swim lessons to a child who is only 4. She comes to swim lessons exhausted, because she is also going to school and doing other activities as well. It’s ok to stimulate your child and get them involved in other activities that may interest them, but be sure it’s not overwhelming them. They need time to just play and be kids.
11.Remember to be patient. For example, sometimes toddlers will have tantrums over things that seem illogical to us, but they are at a time in their life where they can’t regulate their emotions. So, in this case, rather than seeing this behavior as naughty and intentional, it’s more helpful to try to understand the behavior. Then, come up with a solution to the tantrum. For more tips on being a patient parent, click here.
12.Let your kids play inside and outside. Play is disappearing in schools, but it’s almost a necessity for a child’s development. Thus, head to the play ground. Encourage your child to play with blocks. For more information on why play is important to your child’s development, click here.
13.Engage in good communication with your child. Listen to your child and also talk to them. If you are communicating well, this will help develop trust and respect between your and your child. When children are young, talking to your child a lot will help develop their language abilities.
14.Engage in self-care. You will most definitely be a better parent if you take care of yourself! You will be more attuned to your child’s needs, and it will help you stay calmer and more patient.
15.Admit when you are wrong or when you made a mistake. Apologize to your child when you made a mistake.
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips offer some easy to incorporate strategies to help you become the parent you want to be! It takes time, effort, and patience, but you can get there! And as mentioned, if you are concerned about whether or not you are doing enough, this probably means you are a good parent.
We can do this! 🙂
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Reference
Colton, A. (2017). How to Be a good parent: 323 great tips for better parenting. Kindle edition.
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