Six Tips to Effective Parenting
Parenting could be one of the most important jobs in the world. Taking care of everything and being responsible for another human is a big deal that you cannot take lightly.
However, many joys of becoming a parent are out of this world, ones that you cannot experience otherwise.
You get to experience pure love and joy in your child’s smile. Every word they speak or every time they cry hooks you, and it can be hard to stay away from them for long.
However, if you just had your first baby, remember to take it one day at a time. During these times, feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally drained is normal, especially after carrying the baby for nine months and then delivery.
For starters, try getting as much help as possible from your parents, siblings, and your spouse’s family. Introducing a newborn to the family is also essential.
At the same time, you might learn from other people in similar situations.
If you have more than one child, it can be more challenging.
Keeping that in mind, the following are some effective parenting styles and techniques.
1. Get Regular Check-Ups of Your Children
Experts advise new parents to visit their child’s pediatrician regularly to update themselves regarding their children’s health.
If you notice irregular muscle movements or any other uncommon physical movements of your child, find out if they got birth injuries by visiting childbirthinjuries.com for a free case review. If it is the case, you must seek immediate help from the required resources.
Similarly, get them vaccinated at the right time by checking the infant immunization schedule of your State.
They protect the child from injuries, infections, and diseases. Breastfeeding also plays a vital role in boosting a baby’s immune system to fight against infections and diseases and for healthy growth during the early stages.
Always remember that precaution is better than medication. Therefore, check your child’s general health levels regularly and take preventive measures on time to avoid any illnesses that may require heavy medicines later on.
2. Be a Good Role Model
Children are very likely to imitate their parents. Therefore, use it to your child’s advantage by being a good role model. Develop healthy habits that you want your child to follow.
Doing one thing yourself but asking them to do another will create a conflict. Be empathetic to your child’s needs, so they do not feel you are being unfair. Young children pick on such things very quickly. Therefore, be mindful of how you act around them.
3. Practice Firm and Kind Positive Parenting
You can be firm with your child without being harsh or hostile. For example, if a toddler asks you for something and, upon refusal, starts throwing a tantrum, do not yell at them.
It is essential not to react to their emotional outburst but to remain calm. Seeing you quiet will calm them down after some time.
Then, you can speak to them about what is bothering them and explain why they cannot have something. Show them love and affection so that they feel understood.
While you may want to give your children everything they desire, it is equally important to instill values, patience, and discipline in them.
If you keep going out of your way to fulfilling their every whim, they might become spoiled and lack discipline.
Similarly, their curiosity will only increase if you keep telling them not to touch the stove while it is on. Instead, let your child sit with you while you use it, and explain to them the concept of a hot stove while it is on. They will be more careful next time.
Another example is teaching them to clean up their room by placing all the toys back in their place and discarding trash instead of littering.
Reward them with something positive. You can also list chores for them to reward with pocket money they can use to spend on anything they like.
4. Be a Safe Haven for Your Child
Children are vulnerable and helpless beings dependent on you. Therefore, always ensuring safety and security for them is imperative.
Reinforce your presence and love for them repeatedly. Let them know that whatever happens or wherever they go, you will always be there for them.
Always be responsive to their physical, mental, or emotional needs. Such children grow up with more emotional maturity and independence by feeling secure, with better cognitive outcomes.
5. Always Keep an Open Communication Channel
Talking and listening to your child during their developmental phase is highly crucial. It is their learning stage.
They may ask fundamental questions or thoughtful questions. It is essential to teach them healthily instead of disregarding their curiosities.
However, it may be hard to talk about certain things, like why their grandmother is no longer around if she had passed away.
Alternatively, they may ask where we go after we die. Answering such questions can be challenging. You can explain it to them in an easier way that they can understand.
Moreover, have daily conversations about school activities. Use simple terms to help them understand any new experiences and ask them how it makes them feel.
For example, watching a movie for the first time or the first day of school. Always involve yourselves during their initial and first experiences, as they will require your support.
6. Read about Child Psychology
Reading up on child psychology is more helpful than reading about parenthood. It lets you tap into a toddler’s mind if you struggle to understand them.
While books on parenting help you set parenting goals and shape a child in a certain way. As important as that is, child psychology helps you understand what your child, in particular, might need by helping you understand the reasons behind their behavior.
Understanding that every child is different is one of the most important elements of parenting. Comparing your child with their sibling, cousin or friend will do little for their development. It may even backfire, making them feel inadequate and underconfident. Instead, it would be best to teach your child self-acceptance and self-love.
Conclusion
As challenging as parenting is, it can be equally rewarding. Childbearing and rearing is an experience like no other.
Having more than one child fills your heart with more love than you could have imagined. That love drives parents to be the best versions of themselves so that they can be their kids’ role models.
Children’s emotional, mental, safety, and security needs are equally essential to physical well-being in parenting.
Therefore, it is vital to maintain a suitable parenting method. Always remain kind, patient, and open to communication.
Moreover, do not forget to get all their immunizations, read about child psychology, and spend quality time together to understand your child better and support them.