4 Developmental Tips for Parents
Everyone wants to be a good parent, right? You love your kids. You want to be the best parents you can for them. But if you’re like most people, you probably don’t feel prepared for all things ahead. There’s no ultimate ‘how to’ guide for being a parent, but don’t you wish there was. It would make being a parent so much easier. There’s no training, no diploma, no certification that gives you the skills you need before you take the job on.
Luckily there are parent groups for sharing information and experience! Here are some of the best tips to help enhance your parenting experience.
1. Make Self- Esteem A Priority
Your child will start to form their self-esteem in early childhood. You are the most important person in their life, and your word is the law. So be sure to guard your tongue because a careless remark can have the potential to scar them for life. Not trying to be a negative Nancy, but I am still dealing with things that were said to me when I was a child. Your behavior, your tone, your words shape their reality. You have the biggest responsibility of being the most important influence on their self-esteem. So choose kind words I know even in the midst of anger that is so hard. But they need to know that you love them and that regardless of what they do, say or look you will always love them. Above all, let your child know that mistakes are part of being human.
2. Focus on the positives
It’s easy to focus on your child’s ‘bad’ behavior. It can be harder to remember to catch them being good and to reward good behavior with hugs and praise. Model politeness and say thank you to your child. What you focus on is what you will see. So, choose what sort of behavior you want to encourage and focus on that.
3. Set Boundaries
Children need to know that there are limits.. They will only learn self-discipline and self-control if you are there to guide them. Having consistent, clear boundaries and consequences for breaching those boundaries will help your children learn what’s acceptable and what’s not.
4. Spend time with your kids
More than anything else, your children want to spend time with you and connect with you. Acting out and misbehaving is often a sign that kids are trying to get your attention any way they can, even if it’s negative.
Special quality time is nice, but sharing household tasks, walking the dog, or just watching TV together are all good ways to just be with your kids.
Also, check out this cool infographic from WPS.
Please include attribution to WPSpublish.com with this graphic.
