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.
4. Be Patient
The world doesn’t stop spinning if you let your child play a couple of extra rounds of Minecraft. It’s easy to frustrate your child when they make a mistake or aren’t progressing as quickly as you would like. Instead, be patient with them. Remember that your child isn’t as mature as an adult. They’re still growing and developing.
Sometimes, their behavior will directly result from their unpreparedness for specific responsibilities. Your child isn’t being defiant; they’re just trying to do things at their own pace. Your child will learn and grow in their step. You can’t rush them, or you risk stunting their development. Be patient with your child; they will be more likely to respect and trust you.
5. Don’t Try To Be Your Kid’s Best Friend
While empathy towards your child is essential, you don’t want to cross the line and try to be their best friend. You are a parent; your role is to guide and provide for your child. Your child will want to make friends as they grow older. Until then, they will appreciate you being a parent, not their friend.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting or friendship. Most parents find that they have to change how they raise their children to meet the needs of each one. Still, it would be best to put more effort into being a good parent than a good friend.
You can still be a good parent while having your own life. Take time for yourself, and don’t feel you must always be with your child.
6. Give Them Space When They Need It
Being a parent means engaging with your child all the time. Sometimes, though, your child will need a break from you. They will need time to disengage from their surroundings and get much-needed “me” time. When you notice your child withdrawing or pulling away, please don’t force them to engage with you. Tell them they can return to you when they are ready to reconnect.
If your child is struggling with something and needs space, be there when they are prepared to talk. Tell them that you care and are there whenever they need you. You can’t push someone to open up to you. You can support them and let them know you’re there for them whenever they’re ready to talk.
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.
4. Be Patient
The world doesn’t stop spinning if you let your child play a couple of extra rounds of Minecraft. It’s easy to frustrate your child when they make a mistake or aren’t progressing as quickly as you would like. Instead, be patient with them. Remember that your child isn’t as mature as an adult. They’re still growing and developing.
Sometimes, their behavior will directly result from their unpreparedness for specific responsibilities. Your child isn’t being defiant; they’re just trying to do things at their own pace. Your child will learn and grow in their step. You can’t rush them, or you risk stunting their development. Be patient with your child; they will be more likely to respect and trust you.
5. Don’t Try To Be Your Kid’s Best Friend
While empathy towards your child is essential, you don’t want to cross the line and try to be their best friend. You are a parent; your role is to guide and provide for your child. Your child will want to make friends as they grow older. Until then, they will appreciate you being a parent, not their friend.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting or friendship. Most parents find that they have to change how they raise their children to meet the needs of each one. Still, it would be best to put more effort into being a good parent than a good friend.
You can still be a good parent while having your own life. Take time for yourself, and don’t feel you must always be with your child.
6. Give Them Space When They Need It
Being a parent means engaging with your child all the time. Sometimes, though, your child will need a break from you. They will need time to disengage from their surroundings and get much-needed “me” time. When you notice your child withdrawing or pulling away, please don’t force them to engage with you. Tell them they can return to you when they are ready to reconnect.
If your child is struggling with something and needs space, be there when they are prepared to talk. Tell them that you care and are there whenever they need you. You can’t push someone to open up to you. You can support them and let them know you’re there for them whenever they’re ready to talk.