Parenting advice can come from many different sources. From an older woman in the church to your friendly next-door neighbor or even your chatty office mate. Different people have different experiences. But, no one has officially cracked the code on providing a universal method for raising kids. No one can prepare you enough for this role, making life the most outstanding teacher. Of all of the pieces of parenting advice that we have heard, a few stood out. Check out these top 5 pieces of parenting advice that every parent needs.
Model Good Behavior
Your child’s behavior is often a reflection of your behavior. Kids (toddlers especially) are keen observers of their parents’ words and actions. Although kids don’t entirely pick up their behaviors from their parents, as many external factors also contribute to behavior, to some degree, parents are responsible.
There’s a reason why parents shouldn’t fight in front of their kids. And why cussing and swearing is not tolerated at home. Being a good parent means being the person you want your kids to become. Children often imitate their parents’ behaviors. Sure, we are not perfect. But we must strive to be better for our kids’ well-being — or at least try.
Give Meaningful Compliments
One great piece of parenting advice is always to seek opportunities to give meaningful compliments to your kids while ensuring that you only give praise where praise is due. We don’t want to overcompensate. The point of giving praise is to encourage positive behavior. Positive behavior includes actions that they have control over and can improve upon.
As much as possible, praise your child for their hard work, effort, or good behavior instead of an inherent ability or trait. This helps to develop your kid’s perseverance and encourages the development of a growth mindset.
Boost your Child’s Self-Esteem
Not all kids are the same. Self-esteem comes easily for some kids but can be challenging for others. The key here is patience. Self-esteem develops over time. As kids grow daily, they are presented with a handful of opportunities to learn and do things. Checking items from a list of milestones and completing achievements can collectively contribute to building a child’s sense of self.
A child’s self-esteem also stems from feeling loved and accepted and receiving positive parental attention and care.
Parents are the primary agents responsible for boosting a child’s self-esteem. Being there to witness and help your child learn new things, whether big or small, can do so much for your child’s self-esteem. Teach them how to do it first, then let them do it independently. Giving your kids the opportunity to try and learn things on their own teaches them to be proud of themselves for accomplishing something through their efforts.
Most importantly, never give harsh criticism to your kids or speak negatively about them. As a parent, your words are a powerful tool that can either make or break your kid’s sense of self. One negative criticism can imprint on your child’s mind and harm their self-esteem. Regardless of how many positive things you’ve said about them in the past, this one will always stick out like a sore thumb and can resonate with them even into their adult life. Instead, extend positivity by being patient. Teach your kids how it’s done. And speak kind words to them at all times.
Make Time for Quality Time
Spending some time with your kids, even when doing the most mundane of tasks, can create the most memorable times of their childhood. Although only some are fortunate enough to care for their kids full-time, making time for quality time counts.
Connect with your kids daily. Activities can range from sharing meals with them to taking them grocery shopping.
Home improvement is also a great way to bond with your kids. Visiting a home improvement store nearby and picking out the color they want to paint their rooms helps them feel connected and involved.
There are many other ways to bond with your kids as well. Aim to create meaningful moments and memories that build a lasting impression.
Set Consistent Limits and Provide Effective Consequences
Effective Parenting should always go hand in hand with discipline. It’s about guiding your children to choose behaviors that are acceptable over those that are not. Discipline also teaches kids about self-control.
Having simple rules at home gives your kids enough room to be themselves while adhering to the rules that you’ve set. The rules, as well as the consequences, must be communicated clearly. No cell phones should mean no cell phones during bedtime if they don’t want their phones confiscated for three days. As a parent, keep in mind that you are the one in charge. Be firm with the limits and follow through with the consequences that you’ve set. This method of discipline works best when you are there to impose the rules and consequences you’ve set actively.
Give your kids a great head start while they’re young! Visit Wonderfully Made Childcare or call (307) 337-1306. Schedule a tour with us today!
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