One of the hardest and most rewarding occupations in the world is raising children, yet it’s also the one for which you can feel the least equipped.
You can feel more satisfied as a parent by using these 9 child-rearing suggestions.
5 Steps to More Effective Parenting
Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem
When children first view themselves via their parents’ eyes as neonates, they begin to build a sense of self. Your children are absorbing everything you say and do, including your body language and facial expressions. More than anything else, your words and deeds as a parent have an impact on how they build self-esteem.
Praise for accomplishments, no matter how minor, will make children feel proud; allowing children to complete tasks autonomously will make children feel strong and capable. In contrast, making disparaging remarks or negatively contrasting a youngster with another will make them feel worthless.
Avoid using strong language or inflammatory statements. Just like physical blows, remarks like “What a stupid thing to do!” or “You act more like a baby than your tiny brother!” hurt.
Catch Kids Being Good
Have you ever paid any thought to how frequently you react adversely to your children in a single day? You might discover that you criticize much more frequently than you compliment. Even if it was meant well, how would you feel about a manager who gave you so much unfavorable advice?
Catching children doing something properly is a more effective strategy: “You made your bed without being asked – that’s amazing!” or “I saw you playing with your sister and I noticed how patient you were.” Long-term, these words will have a more positive influence on conduct than frequent reprimands.
Make it a point to find something positive to say each day. Be liberal with your praise; your affection, hugs, and compliments can frequently suffice as a reward. You’ll soon notice that you are exhibiting more of the behavior you want to see.
Set Limits and Be Consistent With Your Discipline
Every home needs discipline. Discipline is intended to teach children how to select appropriate behaviors and develop self-control. They may push the boundaries you set for kids, but they require those boundaries to develop into mature, responsible people.
Kids can better comprehend your expectations and learn self-control by following established house rules. A few guidelines might be: no TV until homework is finished; no striking; and no name-calling or unpleasant teasing.
You might wish to set up a system that involves a warning, then punishments like “time outs” or privilege losses. Failure to enforce penalties is a typical error made by parents. Children cannot be punished one day for talking back while being ignored the next. Consistency teaches others what to anticipate.
Make Time for Your Kids
It can be challenging for parents and children to have a family meal together, let alone spend meaningful time together. However, I doubt anything would appeal to them more. If you want to share breakfast with your child, get up 10 minutes earlier in the morning. If you want to go for a stroll after dinner, leave the dishes in the sink. When kids don’t get the attention they seek from their parents, they frequently disobey or act out since they know they’ll get caught.
Make Time for Your Kids
Many parents find it rewarding to schedule together time with their kids. Create a “special night” each week to be together and let your kids help decide how to spend the time. Look for other ways to connect — put a note or something special in your kid’s lunchbox.
Teens seem to need less undivided attention from their parents than younger kids. Because there are fewer windows of opportunity for parents and teens to get together, parents should do their best to be available when their teen does express a desire to talk or participate in family activities. Attending concerts, games, and other events with your teen communicates caring and lets you get to know more about your child and his or her friends in important ways.
Don’t feel guilty if you’re a working parent. It is the many little things you do — making popcorn, playing cards, window shopping — that kids will remember.
Be a Good Role Model
Young children pick up a lot about behavior by watching their parents. The more cues they pick up from you as they get younger. Consider this before you lose it or lose your cool in front of your kid: Is that how you want your kid to act when he or she is angry? Be mindful that your children are always keeping an eye on you. According to studies, children who hit usually have an aggressive role model at home.
Show your children how to behave with respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, and tolerance. Act in a selfless manner. Do things for others without anticipating compensation. Thank you and be complimentary. Above all, remember to treat your children as you would like to be treated.
