It is not easy to be a good parent, especially that we are imperfect in many ways. It is normal that we feel anxious thinking we might fail to raise our kids to become good persons. Thus, learning from the experiences and strategies of other parents is a good idea.
If you want to learn how to be a good parent or even be inspired to be the best parent in the world for your children, here are some inspiring ways to improve your parenting skills. I hope to do them too as my son grows up.
1. Express your affection to your children.
Children long for the affection of their parents. They want to feel loved to know they are secure. Thus, do not be hesitant to show your love to your kids. Tell them you love them and shower them with hugs and kisses.
2. Provide them a safe and healthy environment.
The environment where your children grow up will have an impact on their character and well-being. Thus, make sure to set up your home in an environment where there are peace and safety, and where they will be exposed to good moral values and people of integrity.
3. Make them understand that discipline is not punishment.
Help your children love discipline by making them understand that it is nothing to be feared. Therefore, do not equate punishment with discipline. Discipline can also involve positive reinforcement, like rewards.
4. Be consistent with the rules you set.
Whenever you set rules at home, be consistent in implementing them. Do not bend them because your kids are complaining or you, yourself, cannot follow them. Be a good example.
5. Do not fight with your spouse in front of them.
It is normal for couples to have fights at times, but children should not witness them. Avoid arguing in front of your kids, because it could have an impact on their emotional health. It can result in anxiety, fear, depression, and even rebellion.
ALSO READ: 18 Ways to Have a Happy Marriage
6. Appreciate them.
Do not be timid in praising your children whenever they have done something worthy of appreciation. Let them know that you are proud of them.
7. Do not compare your kids.
One of the worst mistakes that some parents do is comparing their children to their siblings or other kids. Please know that this can cause serious damage to a child’s emotional health. Each child is unique, so it is unfair to them to be compared to others.
8. Let them make mistakes.
Do not worry about your kids committing mistakes and experiencing failures. You, yourself, grow more mature through them. Thus, allow your children to explore possibilities and their environment.
9. Set safe boundaries for their exploration.
Your role as a parent is to guide your children as they explore their world. To protect them in this phase, set limitations that will keep them safe from physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dangers. Just make sure you do not overdo it as you might be clipping their wings.
10. Do not show favoritism.
If you have several kids, never commit the mistake of playing favorites. It may result in rebellion, low self-esteem, insecurities, and jealousy among siblings. Treat all of them equally.
11. Put their needs before yours.
I think this is something that comes naturally to all parents, but I just include this as a reminder.
12. Give them responsibilities.
To train your children to be responsible, start giving them responsibilities now. You can assign them household chores or let them babysit their younger siblings.
13. Let them solve their own problems.
If you want your kids to be independent and self-reliant, then do not take over when they encounter problems. Allow them to figure things out on their own. Of course, you can show support by giving suggestions or advice and encouraging them when they are discouraged.
14. Don’t set high expectations.
This can cause too much pressure on your kids, which could result in low self-esteem as they grow up. Failure to meet your expectations would make them think they are not good enough, which might kill their motivations.
15. Encourage them to nurture their talents.
One of the best things you can do for your children is to support them to develop their talents. You may enroll them in summer classes, let them join school clubs, and buy the materials that will help them improve their skills. You can also encourage them to use their talents to serve God.
16. Hang out with them.
Kids grow up fast, and before you know it, they are already moving out of the house. Therefore, spend time with them while you can. You can play board games, watch movies, or have a regular date with them.
17. Change our bad habits and attitude.
If you don’t want your kids to develop harmful habits, such as online game addiction, smoking, or gambling, then quit if you are into them. You don’t like them cursing or using foul words? Then, be careful with your language. Change the bad traits that you don’t want your children to follow.
ALSO READ: 14 Rewarding Ways to Break Your Bad Habits
18. Apologize when needed.
We, parents, are not perfect and we make mistakes too. Whether you have scolded them for something they have not done or you have broken a house rule, be humble enough to apologize. It will teach them to admit their wrongs and be sorry for them.
19. Encourage them to be physically active.
You won’t always be around to take care of your children. If you want them to grow up healthy, teach them how to take good care of their health, including being physically active. Introduce them to outdoor activities and let them play active sports.
20. Model to them how to live a godly life.
If you want your children to grow up reflecting Christlikeness, then you need to model it to them. Aside from praying with and for them and bringing them to church, be a good example to them in living a Christian life.
Enjoy Parenthood
Being a parent is no doubt one of the most challenging roles one could have. However, it is definitely the most satisfying, especially when you can see your kids grow up healthy, happy, and upright.
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