Parenting can be tough. It doesn’t matter whether you have a toddler or a teenager; every stage brings new challenges. But, as a parent, it is your job to do your best and give your child a happy and safe life.
Positive parenting can be beneficial for your children in many ways. Research shows that good parenting affects your children’s performance in school, behavioral problems, and overall mental health. While the concept of being a good parent is subjective, and there are no set standards that make you a good parent, you can take certain steps to be better. In this article, we will discuss some ways that can help you become a better parent.
How Can You Become a Better Parent?
The first step to becoming a better parent is to accept the magnitude of your role and acknowledge that you can do better for the sake of your children. So, if you’re searching for ways to become a better parent and are willing to put in the work, then you’re already on the right path. Here are some ways to help you become a better parent.
1. Educate Yourself
Education can help you learn a lot about parenting. You can go for short courses, workshops, and seminars or even get a graduate degree. You can choose any major that sparks your interest or is relatable to your family life. Education can help you learn more about child development and how to deal with each stage. Similarly, it can help you learn strategies or theories you can implement at home to make you a better parent.
For instance, an online masters in social work can help you learn a lot about parenting. Social work degrees cover several important topics like child development, human behavior, problem-solving, family dynamics, and more. This can help you gain valuable information about parenting and teach you valuable skills such as effective communication. Apart from that, an online degree can allow you to study at your own pace without causing any major disruptions to your already busy life.
2. Be In The Moment
Time flies by, so it is necessary to be in the moment and be present for your children. Your affection and attention is a priceless gift for your children. Your presence allows your children to feel safe and loved, which can have a great impact on their mental health and future lives. So, it is important to be present and engaged in your children’s lives.
You might have noticed that your children look at you repeatedly when they are playing in the park or doing something to check if you’re watching them. Similarly, you might also have experienced your child acting out just to get attention.
So, it is important to get off your phone and give your children undivided attention. You can also play with them or engage in hobbies they may like. It is also important to do your best to show up at extracurricular events to support your children.
3. Use Words Of Affirmation
Positive reinforcement can be great for children. And one of the best forms of positive reinforcement is to use words of affirmation. This can help improve children’s self-confidence and self-esteem and motivate them to do better.
So, it is necessary to use words of affirmation regularly. For instance, you can write a nice note describing their good qualities and put it in their lunch bag. This will remind them that you notice their efforts and love them unconditionally. Similarly, it is also important to always tell your children how proud they make you, even for little accomplishments. But, it is recommended not to praise every action, only accomplishments where they have truly worked hard and shown progress.
4. Be Their Safe Space
Children make mistakes; it is normal and an important part of growing up. Similarly, children also face issues that we often don’t know about, like bullying. So, it is important to create a bond where your children can talk to you about anything without any fear. Being your child’s safe space can allow them to come to you when they’re upset and gives them a sense of security.
So, whenever your child comes to you with a problem, it is important to listen actively and empathize with them. You can also give them suitable solutions if they ask for them.
5. Answer Their Questions
If you have young children, you might get interrogated about different topics every day, but that’s okay. Children are naturally curious, and everything seems new to them. So, they turn to their parents to learn more about their surroundings.
Now, repeated questions may sound annoying, especially if you’ve had a long day at work. But, it is necessary to be patient and answer your children’s questions as simply as you can. This will increase their knowledge, enable them to think for themselves and give them a general understanding of the world.
6. Avoid Comparing Your Kids To Others
It is important not to compare your kids with others, like their siblings or friends. This can negatively impact your child’s mental health and development. Apart from that, comparing your children to other kids can also be bad for your mental health as it might make you question your parenting style and so on.
So, it is necessary to treat each of your children as unique individuals. It is important to acknowledge that all your children have different skills, interests, and abilities. This will help you become a better parent and treat every child according to their personality.
7. Show Affection
Showing affection is a major part of being a good parent. Research shows that hugs can work wonders for one’s mental health. So, you can be a better parent and improve your kids’ childhood by sprinkling a little extra affection. You can give them a hug before leaving, say ‘I love you,’ kiss them before bedtime, or cuddle while watching the TV.
Conclusion
As a parent, you might question yourself many times whether you are a good parent or not. But, the truth is, no one has perfected the art of parenting. What makes a good parent is the willingness to improve your ways and do whatever you can to ensure your children’s healthy development and happiness.
