5 Best Parenting Practices Every Parent Should Adopt.

Raising kids is one of the toughest and most fulfilling jobs in the world.

Infact:

Parenting is not easy.

Good parenting is hard work.

In today’s post, I am going to share with you five parenting practices every parent should adopt which I know if implemented will improve your parenting style as a parent.

We all want to be the best parents we can be for our children, but there is often conflicting advice on how to raise a kid who is confident, kind, and successful.

But first;

A good parent is someone who strives to make decisions in the best interest of the child.

A good parent doesn’t have to be perfect. No one is perfect.

No child is perfect either … keeping this in mind is important when we set our expectations.

Good news: There is no one right way to raise a child. 

So without further delay let’s dive in:

Here are 5 tips on learning good parenting skills that can help you feel more fulfilled as a parent.

5 Best Parenting Practices Every Parent Should Adopt.

1. Make Time For Your Kids

It’s often difficult for parents and kids to get together for a family meal, let alone spend quality time together.

But there is probably nothing kids would like more. Get up 10 minutes earlier in the morning so you can eat breakfast with your child or leave the dishes in the sink and take a walk after dinner.

Kids who aren’t getting the attention they want from their parents often act out or misbehave because they’re sure to be noticed that way.

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 to school.

Adolescents seem to need less undivided attention from their parents than younger kids.

It’s because there are fewer windows of opportunity for parents and teens to get together, as parents you should do your best to be available when your teen does express a desire to talk or participate in family activities.

Attending concerts, games, and other events with your teen communicate caring and let you get to know more about your child and his or her friends in important ways.

It is the many little things you do — making dinner together, playing cards, window shopping — that kids will remember.

2. Be A Good Role Model

Kids learn by watching their parents. Modeling appropriate, respectful, good behavior works much better than telling them what to do.

The younger they are, the more cues they take from you. Before you lash out or blow your top in front of your child, think about this: Is that how you want your child to behave when angry?

Be aware that you’re constantly being watched by your kids. Studies have shown that children who hit usually have a role model for aggression at home.

Human is a special species in part because we can learn by imitation^.  We are programmed to copy other’s actions to understand them and to incorporate them into our own.

Children, in particular, watch everything their parents do very carefully.

So, be the person you want your child to be, respect your child, show them positive behavior and attitude, have empathy towards your child’s emotion, and your child will follow suit.

3. Love Them And Show Them Through Action

As a parent, you’re responsible for correcting and guiding your kids. But how you express your corrective guidance makes all the difference in how a child receives it.

There is no such thing as loving your child too much. Loving them cannot spoil them.

When you have to confront your child, avoid blaming, criticizing, or fault-finding, which undermine self-esteem and can lead to resentment.

Instead, strive to nurture and encourage, even when disciplining your kids. Make sure they know that although you want and expect better next time, your love is there no matter what.

4. Give Appropriate Praise.

Instead of simply saying, “You’re great,” try to be specific about what your child did to deserve the positive feedback.

You might say, “Waiting until I was off the phone to ask for cookies was hard, and I really liked your patience.”

5. Make Communication a Priority

You can’t expect kids to do everything simply because you, as a parent, “say so.” They want and deserve explanations as much as adults do.

If we don’t take time to explain, kids will begin to wonder about our values and motives and whether they have any basis.

Parents who reason with their kids allow them to understand and learn in a nonjudgmental way.

Make your expectations clear. If there is a problem, describe it, express your feelings, and invite your child to work on a solution with you.

Be sure to include consequences. Make suggestions and offer choices. Be open to your child’s suggestions as well.

Negotiate. Kids who participate in decisions are more motivated to carry them out.

Bonus Tips: On Parenting Practices

• Play with your children
• Read books together every day
• Kiss and hug your spouse in front of the kids
• Always tell the truth
• Don’t accept disrespect from your child: Never allow your children to be rude or say hurtful things to you or anyone else. If they do, tell them firmly that you will not tolerate any form of disrespect.

Conclusion

The good thing is, although parenting is hard, it is also very rewarding.

 The bad part is the rewards usually come much later than the hard work.

 But if we try our best now, we will eventually reap the rewards and have nothing to regret.

I hope this guide helps you improve your parenting skill quickly.

 Now I’d like to turn it over to you:

What was your favorite resource from this guide?

Or maybe you have an excellent piece of content that you think maybe I should add.

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.