Parenting is a tough job. Perhaps the toughest in the world. Apart from making sure you put food on the table, you also have to make sure your child or children, grows up fully developed by supporting them. It includes giving them proper support in their education, hobbies, and interest.
There are a lot of factors that can affect a child’s holistic development, and the biggest piece of the pie falls on how effective a parent is. It’s a heavy responsibility but raising a child to be an effective person in the future is not impossible. In fact, it turns parents, to super-parents.
Here are tips on how to be a supermom or super-dad in your child’s eyes:
1.) Boost their confidence by catching their good behaviors.
A developing child’s brain is like wet concrete. Words scribbled on it will stay for a long time. So, always choose your words when dealing with a child. Positive reinforcement by catching their good behavior will boost their confidence. This in turn will make them replicate their good behavior in the future.
2.) Set boundaries, be consistent on discipline, and walk your talk.
Setting limits will help a child develop self-control. It teaches them to follow rules and that there are repercussions for breaking them. To ensure this, always have a disciplinary action in place and be consistent about it. It can be loss of privilege, or making them do chores. The most important thing is for you to be consistent. Being on and off with your discipline will only make them think that they can get away with it. Lastly, be firm with your words and lead them by example. Children get their habits mostly from their parents. So, show them what you want them to become.
3.) Communicate, listen, adjust.
Communication goes a long way. When your child matures and becomes an adult, excellent communication skills can help them navigate the world independently. So, start them while they are young. Communication will also help you develop a stronger relationship with them. Letting them know that you are listening will make feel more comfortable with opening up, and when your conversation leads to coming up with a positive compromise, be willing to adjust.
4.) A parent’s love is unconditional. Let it be known.
Kids, are wired to make errors. That’s how they learn. However, a parent should know how to handle a child’s mistakes. Instead of brewing resentment by blaming or fault-finding, be compassionate and encouraging. It is okay to feel upset and letting them know. However, let it be known as well that you love them regardless.
We as a parent are also flawed. Therefore, there can never be a perfect formula to parenting. But we can strive to be the best parents in the eyes of our child.
