How to Be a Good Parent: Essential Good Parenting Tips

What is positive parenting or good parenting?

Following a positive parenting approach is extremely important if you want to be a good parent, according to experts. The main features to follow in this parenting style are:

• Raising kids with good self-esteem

• Raising self-motivated kids

• Raising physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy kids

• Setting strict rules for children and abiding by them

• Explaining the consequences of bad deeds to kids instead of shouting at them for their behaviour

Why is positive parenting necessary?

According to child psychologists and parenting experts, positive parenting is an integral part of good parenting because it helps in the following —

• Fostering better relationships between parents and children

• Helping kids feel confident to open up to their parents about any issues

• Helping to bring up self-motivated kids who can face any situation in life

• Creating a positive atmosphere at home for disciplining the kids without the need for shouting or punishments

How to be an amazing parent – Tips for effective parenting

What is good parenting, you may wonder! These tips will give you the answer to that.

• Set an example

One of the first things to do to learn how to be a good parent is to set an example by exhibiting the behaviour you want in your kids. Your kids are quite observant, and they mimic your actions and language. Practice politeness and respectfulness at home if you want your child to be kind to others.

• Stick to your rules

Despite being friendly and open with your kids, you should be strict when it comes to setting their daily routines. Set strict rules for their study, play, bedtime, screen time, meal time, and the like. Never relax these rules at any cost.

• Appreciate the right way when the occasion demands it

Encourage your kids to push beyond their boundaries and appreciate them for every small effort they make. Praise them wholeheartedly when they try new things or do something on their own. This will motivate your children to never give up and keep trying as hard as they can to achieve their goals.

• Spend some “alone time” with your kid

Spend at least 20 to 30 minutes a day with your child to know how his/her day was or if he/she has anything to share with you. Even while watching TV, you can bond with your child to understand what’s going through his/her mind. All these positive parenting techniques will encourage your child to open up to you more frequently than before.

• Express your love

A child growing up in a home where he/she feels loved unconditionally grows up to be an honest, disciplined, and responsible individual. However busy you are, pause for a minute to let your child know you will always be available for him/her. Your child begins to trust you, and he/she may even come to you for advice or suggestions for various issues.

• Be patient

Kids may not follow your instructions immediately. The key to becoming a good parent is to be patient with them and let your children learn things on their own. Encourage them to be independent, but guide them when they need your help.

• Be sensitive while criticising

While it is important to genuinely criticise your kid if he/she does something wrong, you should be sensitive and mindful of the words you use while doing so. Always remember to criticise the child's actions, not the child himself/herself. Never shout at your child for his/her wrongdoing. Instead, you can patiently explain to your child the consequences of his/her actions.

• Be a good listener

You would love it if your child listened to you always, wouldn’t you? So, it only makes sense if you listen to your kid. Listen to your child’s point of view to understand his/her thoughts and emotions. The more you listen, the more honesty you can expect from your child.

• Teach your child the concept of optimism

Children who find the silver lining in every dark cloud grow up to be happy and confident always. Talk to them often about the importance of taking each day as it comes, being grateful for what they have, and being grounded always.

• Train them to be strong emotionally

Yes, physical strength is important for your kids. However, you should also give equal importance to nurturing their emotional strength. Encourage them to share their emotions with you, and give them the freedom to make important decisions.