Being a parent is hard work. There are plenty of challenges and sleepless nights ahead, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Parenting will test you in ways you never thought possible.
What makes being a parent so challenging? The responsibilities that come with caring for another human being are endless. There’s a ton of commitment involved in being a parent.
However, no challenge is insurmountable—even being a parent! With determination, hard work, and some practice, you can become an even better parent than you already are. Here are seven ways to be a better parent:
1. Establish A Routine
One of the finest ways to be the best parent is consistency. What does this mean? Everything has a place and a time. Your child knows when and how everything gets done. That makes things less chaotic, and your child feels secure knowing you have control.
A routine will also help with your child’s sleep schedule. As you may know, one of the most crucial things is to have a regular sleeping routine for a child’s growth and development. Establishing a bedtime routine with calming activities is a great way to ensure your child can fall asleep quickly.
2. Always Be Available
Being available to your child means more than just being in the same room as them. It means always making time for them and actively participating in their lives. Whether you are playing with them or just taking them to the park, your child needs to know that, at any given moment, you are there for them.
You can also be available to your child by setting aside a specific day to engage with them fully. That can take many forms, such as reading to your child, taking them on a special outing, or just playing with them. The more you are available to your child, the more important they will feel.
How your child feels about themselves is strongly linked to how others think of them. When you make your child feel important, it will help them feel better about themselves.
3. Be Empathetic
Empathy isn’t about being a pushover parent who lets their child get away with anything. It’s about having a genuine concern for your child and their feelings. Empathy helps your child feel safe and secure. It’s the foundation upon which all healthy relationships are built.
There are many ways to be empathetic towards your child. One of the most important is to listen when they speak actively. Be fully present when they are opening. Avoid distractions, and don’t look at your phone while they are talking to you. Your child can tell if you aren’t fully engaged with them.
Empathy also means validating your child’s feelings. Let them know that their feelings are accurate and you have their back. That will go a long way toward creating a positive relationship with them.
1. Establish A Routine
One of the finest ways to be the best parent is consistency. What does this mean? Everything has a place and a time. Your child knows when and how everything gets done. That makes things less chaotic, and your child feels secure knowing you have control.
A routine will also help with your child’s sleep schedule. As you may know, one of the most crucial things is to have a regular sleeping routine for a child’s growth and development. Establishing a bedtime routine with calming activities is a great way to ensure your child can fall asleep quickly.
2. Always Be Available
Being available to your child means more than just being in the same room as them. It means always making time for them and actively participating in their lives. Whether you are playing with them or just taking them to the park, your child needs to know that, at any given moment, you are there for them.
You can also be available to your child by setting aside a specific day to engage with them fully. That can take many forms, such as reading to your child, taking them on a special outing, or just playing with them. The more you are available to your child, the more important they will feel.
How your child feels about themselves is strongly linked to how others think of them. When you make your child feel important, it will help them feel better about themselves.
3. Be Empathetic
Empathy isn’t about being a pushover parent who lets their child get away with anything. It’s about having a genuine concern for your child and their feelings. Empathy helps your child feel safe and secure. It’s the foundation upon which all healthy relationships are built.
There are many ways to be empathetic towards your child. One of the most important is to listen when they speak actively. Be fully present when they are opening. Avoid distractions, and don’t look at your phone while they are talking to you. Your child can tell if you aren’t fully engaged with them.
Empathy also means validating your child’s feelings. Let them know that their feelings are accurate and you have their back. That will go a long way toward creating a positive relationship with them.