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Parenting is a tough job and may make you feel frustrated or anxious some days. However, you have to remind yourself that you’re doing your best and that some days are harder than others.
Focus on what you can do to improve and be a better parent so you can rest easy at night knowing you’re giving it your all. Review habits that will help you create a nurturing household environment to raise healthy, happy, and successful kids. You’ll be glad you took the time to make these changes once you witness for yourself the positive outcomes they bring.
One habit that will make you a better parent is to listen actively and attentively. Put your phone away or down and look your child in the eyes when you’re speaking with them. Repeat back and summarise what they’re telling you to ensure you understand it clearly. You can pick up a lot about what your child is thinking and feeling simply by listening better. Avoid making judgments and doing a lot of the talking and take in the information they’re willing to share with open ears.
No child is perfect and there will be times that they struggle or feel frustrated or not confident. These are the times when you can step in and help out as the parent. Address problem areas right away, especially when it comes to those having to do with learning and schooling.
You want them to succeed and feel good about themselves so make sure they have the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals. For instance, if they’re struggling in a subject matter at school you can seek out School Teachers and mentors that can help. You’re likely to notice your child does better in school and is more confident when you get them this type of assistance early on before the problem gets worse.
You can be a better parent by taking care of yourself and your well-being. Put your health and wellness first so you can better care for others. You’ll have more natural energy and be in a good mood when you are well-rested and commit to eating right and getting daily exercise. It may be challenging to put self-care at the top of your to-do list but you must if you’re going to be the best parent you can be and function to the best of your ability each day.
Get in the habit of making sure you take good care of yourself and make time for doing activities you enjoy and aren’t always with the kids or around the house.
It’s important that you make it a point to spend quality time with your kids and family if you want to be a better parent. It’s an excellent way to build a deeper relationship with your kids and show them you love and care about them. Practice work-life balance so that you have opportunities to play and be silly with your kids and aren’t always busy with your job.
It may help to work from home some days, set boundaries with others, and make a to-do and a priority list of your tasks so you can stop at a decent hour each day. Get in the habit of putting your work responsibilities away when you walk in the door and focus on your kids and spending time with them.
Another habit that will make you a better parent is to make sure you support and encourage your children. You may be thinking it but you should also get in the habit of saying how much you love them and that you care about their happiness. Show up to their sporting events or other activities to cheer them on and be around in the evenings to help them with their homework.
Let your children try new things and activities without you telling them what they should be doing. Respect their independence while at the same time guiding them to making healthy choices that keep them safe and well. Have open conversations with your kids about feelings and emotions and tell them that you’re always there for them.
Your kids are always watching and observing you. Therefore, make sure you’re performing behaviours you want them to repeat. Make it a habit to teach by example which will help make you a better parent. For instance, live a healthy lifestyle, communicate in an appropriate and mature manner, and respect those around you.
Sometimes all you need to do to help your kids understand a topic is to perform the actions yourself and let them observe what’s going on. Monitor poor habits and try to stick with enforcing healthy ways of living so they have a desire to want to do the same. Ultimately, you’re the one they want to learn from and emulate.
You can teach your kids responsibility by setting and enforcing household rules. Assign and delegate chores to them and avoid taking on all the work yourself to be a better parent. You’re doing your kids a favour in the long run, even if they complain at the time.
By enforcing the rules, you’re setting boundaries for what you will and won’t tolerate. Not only set the rules but then be willing to dish out consequences if and when your kids break them. It shows your children that while they’re allowed to make mistakes, they also need to be responsible and held accountable for their actions.
These habits will help you focus your energy appropriately so you can be a better parent at the end of the day. It’ll feel good to see all the positive changes that come out of you modifying your parenting approach and focusing on a few important areas. You’ll likely discover you’re able to formulate a stronger bond with your kids and that you’re all happier for you taking charge and putting these measures in place.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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