Image: Shutterstock
Even before a child is born, the parents enthusiastically plan how they will bring up their kids in future. They leave no stone unturned to see that the little one gets the best of everything. However, every child is different, so parenting needs to be customized according to the needs of each child. This means that the way you brought up your older kid can’t be forced on your younger kid just because it worked the first time. But this does not mean you need to attend advanced parenting classes just to be able to parent your kids. After all, it has been done through centuries, and what’s life without challenges, eh? If you are a new parent anxious about how to go about parenting, we are here to help. Here are some expert tips that will give you a head start on being a good and effective parent. Read on!
1. Foster A Loving Relationship
Image: Shutterstock
This is something our forefathers will never get. After all, they are the ones who came up with the idiom – Spare the rod and spoil the child. Thankfully, we live in a generation where we don’t shy away from showering affection on our children. And this does not spoil the child. It only teaches them to love you in return and not fear you. So take the initiative to show your love to your child. Give them a bear hug, smother them with kisses and pamper them with all your love. It doesn’t have to be materialistic; sometimes, taking time out from your busy schedule and playing with them in the park can be your kids’ biggest treat.
2. Do Something Fun With Your Kids
Image: Shutterstock
Providing your child with food, clothing, security, and good health is your duty as a parent. But it doesn’t end there. Children shouldn’t see you as tired humans who exhaust themselves to pay bills. Instead, they should look up to you and plan their lives accordingly. Make sure you balance your life in a way so you can spend ample time with your kids and even do fun things that can form memories for you as a family.
3. Invest Your Complete Focus On Your Kid
Image: Shutterstock
Due to everyone’s busy schedules, families seldom have time to sit together for a meal and have meaningful conversations. When children aren’t getting the attention they need at home, they may resort to destructive behavior such as acting out or misbehaving to attract their parents’ attention. Spending quality time with kids can be an easy way to solve this problem.
4. Prioritize Good Communication
Image: Shutterstock
When we say communication, it doesn’t have to be a boring, “we need to talk” kind of conversation. It is sure to bum everyone out. You can spill your creativity into making communication interesting and exciting for kids of all ages. Maybe stick a cute note on their lunch box, or craft a cup telephone with your kids and then talk to them through it. As your kids grow older, you can put up a communication box where they put their thoughts, and you can read them once every week, or a day in the week where you do fun activities together as a family.
5. Explain Things To Them
Image: Shutterstock
Kids should be left to be kids, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignorant of the things around them. For example, if your family has a financial crunch, there is no need to hide it from your kids. Your kids should know it’s a part of life, and you can even teach them how they can cut down on unnecessary expenses and make the situation better. Kids love helping out, and this will only strengthen your relationship.
6. Learn To Identify The Signs Of Burnout
Image: Shutterstock
Sometimes getting a babysitter and spending time doing activities you love can charge you up for being better at parenting. Parents need to understand that focusing on yourself doesn’t make you selfish. It’s a simple sign that you prioritize your personal health and happiness, an admirable trait that may be an example to your kids. Tell your partner exactly what you can’t do and why. Discuss your strengths as a parent and work together to find good middle ground. You can be the most incredible parents to your kids by talking to each other openly and honestly.
7. Don’t Pick A Favorite
Image: Shutterstock
As your kids get older, they’ll show different talents and skills. The older kids become more self-reliant and hence require less monitoring, while the younger kids will need more assistance and oversight. This might make you spend more time and attention with your younger children, but that doesn’t mean your older kids should feel ignored. Make sure you treat all your kids the same, and they should feel free to approach you when they need to talk to someone.
You will find multiple blogs and books on parenting, but once you step into it, you will realize that you have to come up with your own ways, as every child and parent relationship is different. Parents often aim at being perfect for their kids, but that is an unrealistic goal that often leads to disappointments. You need to understand that kids are not there to judge you; they will only be happy if you are. So make sure you create many happy memories with your kids because happiness is what counts at the end of the day! Happy parenting.
