Raising kids can be tough but soon enough will become one of life’s most cherish able moments for moms around the world. Being patient with them, on the other hand, can be very difficult, however, when one possess ideas on how to be effective as regards parenting. One can easily scale through that process. Here are 7 tips for more effective parenting.
Catch kids being good
Ever wondered how you react to your kids? Ever wondered if you’ve actually been more nice or hostile? Well, you may find yourself criticizing than complimenting if you take a deep look. The more effective approach is to catch your kids being good. Compliment them on anything good they do. Statements like; I was watching you play with your sister and you were very patient can be very encouraging. “You made your bed yourself, wow that’s a good boy”. Make a point of praising something they do every day and you’ll find that you’re more complimenting than criticizing and as such, you’ll help your daughter or son inculcate good habits.
Set limits and be consistent with your discipline
The main goal of discipline is to help kids choose acceptable behaviours as well as learn self-control as discipline is imperative in every household. There’s a need for you to establish house rules that will lead your kids. Just because you’re being nice and compliment their activities does not necessarily mean you should not be tough when you need to be. You should have a system in place where you’ll need to set rules that if broken, certain punishments will follow.
Be flexible and willing to adjust your parenting style.
Your choice of parenting style might not just work with the kind of kids you have. If you feel let down as a result of some expectations you have, there’s a need for you to actually have a re-think as children also have different personalities and it won’t be right for you to actually impose your perception on them. So therefore, be flexible and change your parenting style once you notice it’s not suitable for your kind of child.
Boosting your child’s self-esteem
Kids start developing a sense of self as babies and they learn to absorb every language, tone, body language and expression they get from their parents. Words and actions of parents actually go a long way in developing self-esteem in kids more than anything. Avoid making loaded statements and using curse words as they can cause damage just as a physical blow. Choose words carefully around you kids and ensure you’re always optimistic around them, show love and support, as well as compassionate behavior.
Make communication a priority
Communication plays a vital role in making you more patient with your kids. You need to explain things to them. Understand that they don’t know much and they need guidance over everything. If you don’t educate and explain things they won’t understand and as such a breach in communication lines can actually go a long way in disorienting whatever you have planned. 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.
Show that your love is unconditional
As parents, 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. You may be doing the right thing the wrong way so ensure that your correction measures are not to strict yet, passes the message across. Help your kids understand where you’re coming from and why you’re coming from such direction. Show how important they mean to you and how much they mean to you.
Know your own needs and limitations as a parent
There’s no perfect human being, you can only do your best to be perfect and as such, as a family leader you need to identify your weaknesses and work towards ensuring you turn them into your strengths. Parenting is no easy task so be realistic about your expectations for yourself, spouse and your kids. You don’t have to have all the answers-be forgiving of yourself and try to make parenting a manageable job.
