Six Ways To Improve Your Parenting
1) “Actions speak louder than words”—The old adage holds true, especially in the realm of parenting. Simply telling a child again and again what they should or should not do teaches them to tune you out. Instead of repeatedly telling your son to put his toys away, tell him that you’ll start giving them to goodwill if he doesn’t. Then, if he continues to leave them out, follow through.
2) Give your children ample opportunity to feel needed, important, and powerful. Even though it may be easier just to do it yourself, letting your children help you will not only teach them important skills, but will also boost their self-esteem by showing them how capable they are.
3) Avoid using consequences and punishments that are arbitrary. They should instead be as logical as possible. For example, if a child breaks something, take the money to replace it out of their allowance so that they’ll learn the value of the object. When possible, use real-life consequences. If your child forgets his lunch, don’t bring it to him—he’ll survive a few hours of being hungry and it’ll teach him not to forget again.
4) When reprimanding your children, always make sure they know that you love them. Separating your intolerance from what they did from your unconditional love for them is crucial to building and maintaining their self-esteem.
5) Always maintain the balance between firmness and tenderness. Too far to one side and your child will have no discipline and will walk all over you. Too far to the other side and your child will be fearful of you and have poor self-esteem. Keep this balance in mind with every action you take.
6) Parent for the long-term. Instead of thinking about the fastest solution to a problem, think about the adult you want your child to grow into.
