Raising children is one of the most difficult and rewarding tasks in the world — and one for which you may feel unprepared. Here are 7 parenting suggestions to help you feel more fulfilled as a parent.
1. Increasing Your Child's Self-Confidence
When children experience themselves via their parents' eyes, they begin to establish a sense of self. Your children pick up on your tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. More than anything else, your words and actions as a parent have an impact on their developing self-esteem.
Praise accomplishments, no matter how minor, and letting children do things on their own will make them feel powerful and strong. Belittling remarks or unfair comparisons of one youngster to another, on the other hand, will make children feel worthless.
Make sure you're not making any loaded statements or using words as a weapon. Comments such as "What a stupid thing to do!" or "You act more like a baby than your small brother!" can be just as damaging as physical strikes.
Be empathetic and choose your words carefully. Tell your children that everyone makes mistakes and that you still love them despite their bad behavior.
2. Recognize good behavior in children.
Have you ever considered how many times you react badly to your children in a single day? It's possible that you'll find yourself criticizing significantly more than complimenting. How would you react if your supervisor gave you so much negative advice, even if it was well-intentioned?
Catching kids doing something good is more effective: "You made your bed without being asked - that's fantastic!" or "I was watching you play with your sister and I noticed how patient you were." Over time, these words will do more to encourage good behavior than continuous reprimands.
Every day, make it a point to find something to be grateful for. Be generous with your incentives - your love, hugs, and congratulations may go a long way and are frequently sufficient compensation. You'll soon see that you're "developing" more of the behavior you want to see.
3. Be Consistent in Your Discipline and Set Limits
In every household, discipline is required. Discipline is intended to assist children in selecting appropriate behavior and developing self-control. They may test the boundaries you set for them, but they require those boundaries in order to mature into responsible people.
4. Dedicate Time to Your Children
It's not always easy for parents and children to sit down for a family meal, let alone spend quality time together. However, there is probably nothing that children would enjoy more. Get up 10 minutes earlier in the morning to eat breakfast with your child, or leave the dishes in the sink after supper and go on a walk. When children do not receive the attention they desire from their parents, they often act out or misbehave in order to be noticed.
Many parents find it rewarding to schedule time with their children together. Each week, set aside a "special night" for your family to spend time together, and let your children help you pick how to spend it. Make an effort to communicate in different ways – leave a note
Adolescents appear to require less of their parents' undivided attention than younger children. Because there are fewer opportunities for parents and teens to interact, parents should make every effort to be there when their teen expresses an interest in talking or participating in family activities. Attending concerts, games, and other events with your teen shows that you care about him or her and allows you to learn more about him or her and his or her pals.
If you're a working parent, don't feel bad about it. Kids will remember the many small things you do, such as preparing popcorn, playing games, and window shopping.
5. Act as a positive role model
By seeing their parents, young children can learn a lot about how to act. The younger they are, the more they will pick up on your cues. Consider this before you lash out or lose your cool in front of your child: Is this how you want your child to act when he or she is angry? Be mindful that your children are continuously watching you. Children who hit have a role model for aggressiveness at home, according to studies.
Respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, and tolerance are all traits you want to instill in your children. Demonstrate selflessness. Do things for others without expecting anything in return. Thank you and provide praises. Above all, treat your children as you would want others to treat you.
6. Prioritize communication.
You can't expect your children to do everything just because you, as a parent, expect them to "So say it.
"They, like adults, seek and deserve explanations. If we don't take the time to explain our values and motivations, children will begin to question whether they are valid. Reasoning with children allows them to understand and learn in a nonjudgmental manner.
Make it clear what you expect. If a problem exists, describe it, share your feelings, and invite your child to help you find a solution. Consequences must be included. Make recommendations and provide options. Also, be receptive to your child's suggestions. Negotiate. Children who are involved in the making of decisions are more likely to carry them out.
7. Be willing to change your parenting style if necessary.
If you frequently feel "betrayed" by your child's actions, you may have unreasonable expectations. Parents who believe in "shoulds" (for example, "My child should be potty-trained by now") may find it beneficial to do some research or speak with other parents or child development specialists.
Because children's environments influence their behavior, you may be able to alter their behavior by altering the environment. If you find yourself saying "no" to your 2-year-old all the time, consider changing your environment so that fewer things are off-limits. Both of you will be less frustrated as a result of this.
As your child grows older, you'll need to adjust your parenting style. It's likely that what works now with your child will no longer work in a year or two.
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