Being a good parent is fulfilling and rewarding but it’s not easy. No matter how old your child is, parenting is always required, and you can never say you are done. To be the best parent, you have to know ways of making your child feel loved and valued while you teach them the difference between wrong and right. In the end, the essential thing is for your kids to grow up in a nurturing environment where they can thrive while they develop into independent, caring and confident adults. These tips will guide you:
Be your child’s role model
To bring up a well-behaved child, you have to model their character and behaviour so that they can adopt and continue living by what you teach them. In addition to the verbal explanations you provide, show them by example. This is because children usually become what they hear and see unless they choose to disobey. Note that you don’t have to be perfect in everything you do but strive to do everything you want your child to do.
Be realistic
Understand that there is a distinction between wanting a child to be an individual who is mature and responsible, and forcing them to be perfect depending on your ideas of what perfect is. For example, do not push your kid to be the an excellent player in his sport or to attain perfect grades; instead, encourage good sportsmanship and good study habits, and allow your child to put in their best effort.
Communicate properly
Do not give your child too many instructions at the same time. This is because children have a tendency of taking in instructions in small bits. Also, ensure the instructions are as simple as possible so that they can understand you.
Be forgiving
A forgiving parent will accept their child’s apologies (even before they apologise) and be willing to start things again. Everyone makes mistakes, even as a parent and so when you forgive you will show them how to forgive while offering them another chance to become better individuals.
Control your anger
Try to be reasonable and calm when explaining and carrying out your rules. You want your child to know you are serious instead of fearing you or thinking that you are unstable. This can be difficult especially when your child isn’t cooperating but when you feel you are about to raise your voice, excuse yourself and take a break. Make sure you let your child know that you are getting upset and that they need to listen to you. Also, understand that your child is innocent, and it’s not their intention to make you angry.