How to be a good Parent – Parenting Tips

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Juggling between a nine-to-five job? Meeting deadlines? Clients annoyed? Looking after the household? Constantly wondering whether you are being able to spend quality time with your child? These probably sum up the constant woe of every parent. In an effort to give the best of everything to our children, we are perpetually lacking the most important thing required to give – Time. With Time becoming a constraint, bringing up our children in a proper manner is becoming more of a challenge than it ever was. Here is what we feel some good pointers in this parenting journey. Let us embark on it together.

Always remember that Discipline isn’t equivalent to punishment– The first thing that parents should always try to remember is that they should never ever clip or cut in their child’s imagination. There should be enough space for a child to develop their own independence and not to be burdened by constant-dos and don’ts. However amidst this too there should be a very fine line etched as to what they can do and till how far and what they can’t. Remember that if you are enforcing limits, that does not translate as punishment. Also remember that implementing certain rules and regulations is just a way of inculcating certain best practices and best of behaviours. Also if you have set certain disciplines and regulations, please be consistent with them.

Spend Time with your children– A lot has been said about spending what is now known as “Quality Time” with your children. But how would you construe time spent as Quality time? Time spent with your child in activities which are enjoyable to them can be safely counted as quality time. Your time can be spent with the children in playing games of their choices, reading books together, having a daily bed ritual and on having at least one meal together every day. Allocate an exclusive time, away from phone calls, work, Television, Social Media and other things for your child. Let this undisturbed and unadulterated time between you and your child make your bond stronger and deeper.

Be the person that you wish your child to become– In short be a Role Model. If you are asking your child to behave in a certain manner, do realize that it is what you need to display in front of him. Children learn by watching their parents, therefore display appropriate actions, avoid using inappropriate words and also behave respectfully where concerned and with everyone, which would mean people who provide services to you; that is household helps, drivers etc. Before you lose your temper in front of your child, always count to five and remember that he may emulate you and react in the same manner. It has been proved in studies that mostly children who are aggressive, have been witness to aggression at home.

Praise your child– Be unconditional about voicing your appreciation towards your children. Instead of just casually remarking that they are great; be specific. Be specific about which of their activities have left you wonderfully happy and amazed. Let them know that you are involved with them and are abreast of things. Praise from you, for whatever small accomplishment too, will make them feel good about themselves and as a result they will keep up with their good work to endear themselves. Do not use derogatory words for them like stupid and foolish. Instead be patient with them, point out their mistakes gently and teach them how to course-correct. Let them feel appreciated and let them feel good about themselves.

Speak, Communicate, Talk– The biggest and the best yet the least explored territory in parenting is communication. Let there be a channel of communication between you and your child. If ever you react in front of your child, try and explain to your children the reasons behind your reactions as much as possible. That way your children will not think that you are whimsical and autocratic. If there are reasons for you to discipline your child, let them know the reason why you are doing so before you implement them. Make suggestions often and also be ready to give a solution with utmost practicality. Be open to your child’s suggestions also and keep in mind their likes and dislikes. For mistakes, do not take them to task in front of people. Speak to them in privacy and let them know what you expect from them and also if they have an issue on the same.