It is not easy to be a good parent, especially since we are flawed in many ways. It is normal for us to feel anxious that we might not be raising our children to be good people. So, learning from the experiences and strategies of other parents is a good idea.
If you want to learn how to be a good parent or even be inspired to be the best parent in the world for your children, here are some inspiring ways to improve your parenting skills. I hope to do them too when my son grows up.
1. Express your affection to your children.
Children yearn for the affection of their parents. They want to feel loved to know they are safe. So, don’t hesitate to show your love to your children. Tell them you love them and shower them with hugs and kisses.
2. Provide them with a safe and healthy environment.
The environment in which your children grow up will have an impact on their character and well-being. So, make sure you install your home in an environment where there is peace and security and where they will be exposed to good moral values and people of integrity.
3. Help them understand that discipline is not punishment.
Help your children enjoy discipline by making them understand that it is nothing to fear. Therefore, do not equate punishment with discipline. Discipline can also involve positive reinforcement, such as rewards.
4. Be consistent with the rules you set.
Whenever you set rules at home, be consistent in their implementation. Don’t bend them because your kids are complaining or you can’t keep up with them. Be a good example.
5. Don’t fight with your spouse in front of them.
It is normal for couples to fight sometimes, but children should not witness it. Avoid arguing in front of your children, as this could impact their emotional health. It can lead to anxiety, fear, depression, and even rebellion.
6. Enjoy them.
Don’t be shy about praising your kids every time they’ve done something worthy of appreciation. Let them know you are proud of it.
7. Don’t compare your kids.
One of the worst mistakes some parents make is comparing their children to their siblings or other children. Be aware that this can seriously affect a child’s emotional health. Each child is unique, so it is unfair to compare them to others.
8. Let them make mistakes.
Don’t worry if your kids make mistakes and experience failures. You, yourself, become more mature thanks to them. Thus, allow your children to explore the possibilities and their environment.
9. Set safe limits for their exploration.
Your role as a parent is to guide your children as they explore their world. To protect them in this phase, set limits that will protect them from physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dangers. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, as you might clip their wings.
10. Do not show favoritism.
If you have more than one child, never make the mistake of playing favorites. This can lead to rebellion, low self-esteem, insecurities, and jealousy in siblings. Treat them all equally.
11. Put their needs before yours.
I think this is something that comes naturally to all parents, but I am including this as a reminder.
12. Give them responsibilities.
To train your children for responsibility, start giving them responsibility now. You can assign them household chores or let them babysit their younger siblings.
13. Let them solve their own problems.
If you want your kids to be independent and self-reliant, don’t take over when they run into problems. Allow them to figure things out for themselves. Of course, you can show your support by giving suggestions or advice and encouraging them when they are discouraged.
14. Don’t set high expectations.
This can put too much pressure on your kids which can lead to low self-esteem as they grow older. Not meeting your expectations will make them think they’re not good enough, which could kill their motivation.
15. Encourage them to develop their talents.
One of the best things you can do for your children is to help them develop their talents. You can enroll them in summer courses, let them join school clubs, and buy the materials that will help them improve their skills. You can also encourage them to use their talents to serve God.
16. Go out with them.
Children grow up fast and before you know it they’re already leaving the house. Therefore, spend time with them while you can. You can play board games, watch movies or have a regular date with them.
17. Change our bad habits and attitudes.
If you don’t want your kids to develop harmful habits, such as addiction to online games, smoking, or gambling, stop if you like them. Don’t you like them cursing or using bad words? Then be careful with your tongue. Change the bad traits that you don’t want your kids to follow.
18. Apologize if necessary.
We parents are not perfect and we also make mistakes. Whether you scolded them for something they didn’t or broke a house rule, be humble enough to apologize. It will teach them to admit their wrongs and be sorry for them.
19. Encourage them to be physically active.
You won’t always be there to take care of your children. If you want them to grow up healthy, teach them to take good care of their health, including being physically active. Introduce them to outdoor activities and let them practice active sports.
20. Show them how to live a godly life.
If you want your children to grow up reflecting the likeness of Christ, then you have to mold it for them. In addition to praying with them and for them and bringing them to church, be a good example for them in the Christian life.
Enjoy parenting
Being a parent is without a doubt one of the most difficult roles you can have. However, it is certainly the most satisfying, especially when you can watch your children grow up healthy, happy and upright.
