Raising up a kid is not an easy task. Most of the time parenting is a very time consuming and patience required job. At the end of the day you are are tired the most but at the same time satisfied the most. Children are very sensitive, parents have to deal with them with extra care. But they also have to take care of the fact that they are not going tp extremes. Too much of attention, care,love, strictness, punishment or scolding can result in personality conflicts. Mediocracy is always the right way. Parents should be smart enough to know which emotion to use and when?
Here I am discussing seven tips, which can play a great role in effective parenting.
● Give time to your children:
Most of the times, it gets very difficult for parents to give proper time to their children. Do not feel guilty of yourself if you are working rather plan small things which will make memories for your children. For example doing a lesson together, playing a game, baking your child’s favourite cake etc.
Try to plan one dinner, at least , in a week with your children. Young children need more attention. If you will spend more time with your children it will become easy for you to know their friends and have an eye on them, without them knowing.
● Give importance to their self-esteem:
Parents are a mirror to their children. They look theirselves into you. The way you are dealing with them, you are treating their ideas etc. Be conscious of yourself when you are talking to your child.
Let them taste independence in small tasks, appreciate their little achievements, and letting them know that mistakes can be made from anyone and you love them unconditionally.
In contrast to that comparing your child with another one, belittling them in front of others, not choosing words wisely will make them feel worthless and useless.
Note: Tell them that you don’t like their behaviour, not them, if they do something wrong.
● Catch them doing something good:
Notice yourself saying negative things to your children in a day. How many times do you criticize them? How many times do you tell them that they don’t know anything? Or they don’t follow your instructions?
Now consider yourself in a place where your boss is continuously criticizing you? Even if he is right you won’t feel good about it. There is always a proper time and way of Criticism.
Best approach to change your child’s behaviour is Catching them doing something good. For example you can catch them doing homework and then tell them “I saw you doing your homework on your own, that’s a very good thing.” Or ” you were helping your brother in the playground, Very good!”
● Maintain discipline:
Discipline is the key factor in raising your child. It will help them learn self- control.
Setting rules for your house can lead to less arguments and a positive environment. For example you can set a rule of sleeping at 9 p.m. you will have to struggle in the beginning, but once you stick to your rules they will accept them. Make sure the rules now set, must follow consequences. Do not ignore the consequences, otherwise you will lose the importance of your rules.
Consistency is the key to make your children disciplined. If you tell them that whoever doesn’t do his homework on time will lose the opportunity to play video game. Make sure if your child doesn’t do his homework, he doesn’t play video game.
● Be a nice mentor:
Consciously and subconsciously your child is learning a lot from you. If you lose your temper at little things, there is a greater chance that he also does the same sooner or later. Children learn their fears from their parents. Young children tend to learn more from you. Be very cautious of your behaviour in front of your children, before doing anything just think is that what you want your child to grow up into?
Adapt the habits that you want your child to adapt. Be more honest, kind, humble, non judgmental, understanding, empathatic, respectful, careful and considerate.
Note: Actions matter more than words.
● Be more flexible:
Set realistic goals for your child. Don’t think in ” shoulds”. For example he should always obey me. Or he should start eating meal on his own.
Consider the fact that every child is different, don’t compare your child with others.
Often you are saying no to your child because you don’t want them to get hurt. Instead of saying no change the environment, alter the situations. For example if your toddler is putting everything in his mouth. Take everything out of his reach before he wakes up. In this way you won’t have to say him “No, stop putting this in your mouth ” because he would not have anything around to put into his mouth.
If your child doesn’t achieve a goal, think of all the possibilities, why he didn’t attain it? Focus on changing the environment and provide him with the necessary changes. Don’t become harsh with them.
● Be Consistent:
Consistency is the key to everything. If you want to be a successful person in your life you have to be consistent about certain things. In the same way, if you want to be a successful parent, set some rules and be consistent on them. For example you made a rule of brushing the teeth in the morning, after waking up. In the beginning your children will forget brushing their teeth. If you will ignore it they will eventually stop it. But if you make them face the consequences, like “You will not get breakfast until you brush.” They are more likely to adapt this habit for their lifetime.
Parenthood is not an easy job. It is always easier said than done. You are also a human being, nobody can be perfect. So, try to become happy parents or a Happy Family rather than a perfect one.
Moms can do it 