Raising children is like experimenting in a science lab..where you mix and match different proportions of your experiences, mistakes, and learning to bring out the best in your child.
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By setting effective parenting goals and learning positive parenting tips, you will raise your kids in a better way, bring out their best qualities, and equip them with enough love and confidence to conquer every adversity they come across in their lives.
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Prioritize Your Kids
The first goal that you need to set is to prioritize your kids above everyone and everything. Your children should come on the top-most priority.
This is especially applicable for the parents who have small kids who are dependent upon them for their every need. Your professional commitments, family engagements, social gathering, etc. every other thing either has to wait or be managed if it contradicts with the needs of your child.
Many parents get frustrated and irritated if they have to juggle up their tasks and routines to look after the kids. Remember, the most important thing in your life is your child. Do not neglect him for the things that won’t even matter to you in a couple of years.
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Love Them And Show Them
All the parents love their babies, so no need to emphasize how to love them. However, what is worth accentuating here, is that many parents love their children but fail to show them.
To connect with your children, make sure you don’t forget to remind them every day how much you love them. Hug them, shower them with kisses, and smile at them frequently. Let them know that they are the best thing that has happened to you.
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Be A Good Role Model
Understand the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk. Your child will never listen to your instructions if he observes you doing the opposite.
If you want your child to do or refrain from doing something, then show them.
Do you want your child to speak in a polite manner? Start speaking politely.
Want them to eat healthy snacks? Say good-bye to junk food completely from your life.
Become what you want your child to become.
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Build A Strong Communication
The key to a good relationship is to have strong communication. Talk to your children and listen to them. Allow them to share what they feel, what are their problems, what do they want from you. Letting your child be open with you will develop a strong bond with them.
If you have allowed your child to be expressive with you, then he won’t hide anything from you. You’ll be the first one he’ll come running to if wants to have a one-on-one conversation or needs advice.
Let them talk and understand what they feel.
- Control Your Anger
Many new mothers often look for ‘How to be a good parent to a toddler?’ The simple answer to their question is to stay cool and think rationally.
Understand the simple fact that there is a huge age difference between you and your child. He is not going to understand certain things no matter how much you try to explain to him. At those moments, breathe and relax!
Don’t lose your temper on your babies. Shouting at or hitting them, can scare them for a very long time, and might even distance them from you.
Getting angry about every trivial thing will teach your child that it is perfectly fine to get angry over every little thing.
To all the new mommies: the answer to ‘how to be a good parent to a toddler’ is simple, just control your anger and you are the best parent for your child.
- Don’t Repeat The Mistakes Of Your Parents
There must be a few moments from your childhood where you wished your parents had treated you differently and politely, right?
Sometimes, the reaction of parents leaves a scar on the souls that are not healed till the end of the time. Don’t make your child go what you went through.
Deal with your child differently than you were dealt with, by your parents. These are the common mistakes new parents make you should give your children good memories that they can cherish. Show them the correct way to raise children.
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Respect Your Spouse
While it may not appear in most of the positive parenting tips, this is equally important as the other tips.
If you want your kids to respect the parents, then show them how it’s done. Make it your endeavor never to misbehave or argue with your spouse in front of the children. Whatever differences you have must be resolved when kids are not around.
If you will not treat your partner with respect, care, and love, then don’t expect your children to treat you both with respect.
Instead, show your love for your partner, talk with respect, have fun with each other, and go on dates to show the kids that you are an ideal couple.
- Have A Family Time
No matter how busy you or the kids are, make it a must to have family time for a few minutes daily. As kids grow old their schedule gets busy and you get to spend less time with them.
By making it a routine to sit every day together, your kids will get to sit with you. Talk to them, play games, have a movie night, and have meals together.
Spending time with your loved ones reduces stress, lowers anxiety, and soothes a person.
- Teach Your Child To Be Independent
Parents run around the clock to manage their job, house chores, and look after the kids. The idea of saving a few minutes appears very tempting to the parents. Instead of letting their child do something, they rush to help their child or do it themselves.
By not letting your child do things on his own, you are impeding his confidence. Let them do things on their own. Be available if they ask for help, but encourage them to do simple tasks such as tying shoelaces, packing bags, eating, and dressing up, etc. by themselves.
From an early age try to make your children independent. It gives them confidence and they do not hesitate to solve problems on their own.
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Never Compare Your Child
Every parent wants their child to reach the zenith of success and excellence. For this purpose, they often give them examples of other children. Parents think that by comparing their child to others they’ll be motivated to perform better, however, this is not the right way to motivate them.
By comparing your child, you make them believe that they are not good enough and less than other children of their age group.
If you want your child to do better than motivate them by other means, counsel them politely, ask them if they have trouble doing something, and seek a solution together.
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Limit Screen Time
Increased use of digital devices has made both parents and children addicted to them. There is nothing wrong with watching TV or using cellphones, but increased use of anything is harmful.
If you hand out your cell phones and tablets to your children so that they remain busy and don’t irritate you, stop doing it right away.
Increased use of digital devices not only affects the eyesight but also stops the kids from moving around and staying active.
Instead of giving cell phones, try giving interesting books, blocks, puzzles, etc. to keep them engaged and sharpen their thinking abilities.
- Be Consistent With Your Rules
Rules shouldn’t be made for a day or two. Reinforce the rules daily and set the limits. Consistently follow the rules that you have made for your family.
If you fail to follow the rules yourself, then don’t expect your children to follow.
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Develop Healthy Eating Habits
The problem of childhood obesity is escalating with each passing day. Obesity is linked with several diseases such as high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, heart diseases, diabetes, etc.
To protect your kids from these diseases make them eat healthy food. Limit the amount of junk food in your house. Cook meals at home, include fresh fruits and veggies in their daily meals.
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Be Flexible
Many parents make the common mistake of applying the same parenting techniques to all their children. Understand that what worked for your one child, might not work for your other child. Therefore, be flexible in your parenting methods according to the requirements and needs of your kids.
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Make Time For Yourself
You might feel that this point is contradicting the first point, but trust us, it’s not. No wonder children should be your priority but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a few hours or minutes for yourself.
It is necessary to freshen up to avoid getting angry and with your children. Schedule a few minutes daily to have some time alone to de-stress yourself. It can be anything that makes you feel relaxed and happy.
Winding It Up
Without a speck of doubt, parenting is a difficult, yet very delightful journey. Enjoy every minute with your children, in a couple of years, nostalgia will hit hard and you will miss their childhood. Make sure you have cheerful moments to remember.
Don’t aim to become a perfect parent according to the standards set by society, rather be the parent your kids will love and confide in.
Best of luck!
Author Bio:
Natali Is a Co-Founder at Little Baby Paws. Little Baby Paws is an online store with one main goal for all parents, and that is to be a one-stop-shop for easy-to-use baby and toddler essentials.
