Tips for Effective Parenting
Through All Stages of Development
Raising kids isn’t easy. Today’s parents are drained and exhausted. At the same time, many feel like they’re not doing enough. Raising kids in the age of the internet means easy access to a dizzying spread of contradictory advice, as well as nonstop reminders that other parents are, in one way or another, handling it all much better than you.
The good news is that there are also many valuable resources out there that can help you along your parenting journey. Today, Solstice Stories shares some tips to help you raise amazing kids without draining all of your energy in the process.
Boost Their Self-Esteem
Regardless of your children’s skills, passions, interests, or values, good self-esteem will help them get the most out of life. Help them develop strong self-esteem right from the beginning!
Give your children the freedom to explore new things, make mistakes, and learn from them.
Praise your children for their effort rather than for their achievements.
If your child is introverted, avoid making them feel like something is wrong with them. Help them embrace who they are!
Support Their Interests
If your child develops an interest, especially if it’s something educational, make a concerted effort to help them learn more about their interest to expand their horizons.
Go Science Kids points out that STEAM is a growing area for a lot of kids. Look for opportunities outside of school where your child can dive deeper into this exciting educational approach.
Does your child love tracking the weather? If you have a storm-spotting kiddo on your hands, help them find ways to safely engage in meteorology.
At this point, everyone knows how beneficial it is to learn how to play an instrument. Should your child push for learning the piano, guitar, violin, flute or anything else, go with it! Help them find lessons to support their efforts.
Be sure to make time for your kids in a busy schedule, even if it’s just connecting with each other at bedtime.
Catch Them Being Good
It’s common for parents to find that they spend more time criticising their kids for undesirable behaviours than complementing them for what they’re doing right. Instead, try to make a point of encouraging good behavior!
Offer positive reinforcement by specifically acknowledging and praising desired behaviour.
Psychology Today notes that there are many great ways to acknowledge good behaviour both in the moment and later on in the day.
Remember, sometimes it may be better to ignore unwanted behaviour than to punish it.
Make Space in Your Life for Other Things
Remember, your life doesn’t have to revolve around your kids! Finding room for your personal interests is important for the development of both you and your children.
Model a full life for your children - one that involves other friendships, personal passions, and professional pursuits.
Prioritise your needs - no, this is not selfish!
Make time for self-care activities like rest, healthy eating, and exercise.
Reach for that elusive goal you’ve been putting off, such as going back to school. Online offerings like a bachelor’s in education is an affordable and convenient option; this is a good direction for not just achieving your goal but setting an example as well.
Find walkable areas near your home and take a daily stroll.
If you want to raise kids who are happy, healthy, and grow up to be good people, start by looking at your own behaviour. How you act around your kids and what you say to them will shape them into the people they eventually become. Model your expectations, build up their self-confidence, and reinforce the behaviours you want to see. You got this!