Being A Better Parent

Every parent faces challenges in their parenthood. Whether it is a difficult toddler, or a rebellious teenager. We all doubt out abilities and wonder why this precious child was entrusted to our care. We were probably not as ready to be a parent as we thought, but that does not mean you can’t be a good parent.

Every parent, even the super mom type parents have room for improvement. Let’s take a look at some of the things every parent can do to be better. The following are five key areas that when focused on help you to become a better parent:

1.Spend time with your kids: One of the best ways to become a better parent is to simply spend time with your kids. This does not mean have them in the room with you while watch your favorite television show, or have them tag along while you run your errands. This does not mean you can’t make these times into something special, but this should not be your only time for togetherness with your kids. Part of being a better parent means taking time to get to know your kids. One on one time is the best way. You should take the time to spend alone time with each of your children at least once a week. This bonding time is going to be huge to your child. You are going to gain insight into their lives and personality you will not be able to get any other way. Make this about them. Whatever they enjoy doing, do with them, even if you hate it.

2.Get interested. As a parent you are sure to be faced at some point or another with listening to a dull story about one of your child’s friends, and you probably really do not care. Whether Sally likes Jimmy, or Bob got a dinosaur or a truck is not going to matter to you, but the fact that is matters to your child is why it is important. Part of being a good parent is being interested in your child, even if the things they are interested in are totally boring or stupid to you. So take the time to get interested in your child, their life, and anything they are interested in. If your son is interested in ballroom dance, do not push them to be interested in baseball, just go to their ballroom dance competitions happily. Show support and love.

3.Be patient. Patience is not something you only need when you have an infant that cries of colic. Patience is a key attribute to have if you want to be a better parent. As your children grow they will try test and try your patience to no end. You as a parent need to figure out a coping mechanism so that when your child does something that makes you want to scream and blow your top, instead you calmly discuss it with them and take action in a mature, adult way. Developing patience is a lifelong goal that will take years of practice, but making it a priority is one of the ways to become a better parent.

4.Be consistent. One of the best ways to be a better parent is to actually be extremely consistent. It is key to not change according to your mood. It is key to set rules and stick with them. Consistency gives children security, and helps them to be comfortable. When they know the rules, and know what happens when they break them, you are going to know when they are consciously making a poor decision, or a good one. So, consistency helps you be a better person.

5.Be happy. If you want to be a better parent, you need to be happy. This means take time for you as a parent. Figure out what things make you happy, and spend some alone time each day so that you can keep your sanity and be a great parent.