Ten Ways to Be a Better Parent

While parenting can be tough, it is also extremely rewarding. So, try these ten tips each day to become a better parent:

1.Smile. How you start a day is a big deal. If you want to be a good parent, help your children start their day off right, every single day. So, when you wake them up for school in the morning, do it with a sing-song voice, and a smile on your face. Even if you are tired and irritated, do not show it.

2.Make breakfast for your child. Help your child start their day right, and keep it right by providing them with a meal in the morning. Your child will be able to focus better, and get along better socially if they go to school with a full stomach. Make sure what you make them is healthy. Beyond the health benefits you get the opportunity to talk to your children over the meal. Ask them what they have planned for the day, and ask them any pertinent questions. Use this time to know your family’s schedule.

3.Be thoughtful. A great way to be a good parent is to show your children how much they mean to you. Do this by packing them a lunch with a little love note, or their favorite treat. Put something special in their backpack, or drop something off at the school office for them. Surprises and thoughtful gestures help your children see and know how much you care.

4.Be there when they get home. One of the best things you can do to be a better parent is to be there for the cross roads in your child’s life. Even if they simply run in the door, drop their backpack and run off with their friends, knowing you will be there gives them security, and can help improve their self-esteem.

5.Ask about their day and listen. When your child comes in the door, it is time to do a little detective work. Part of being a good parent is knowing when there is something your child is not telling you, or if they need some extra love, support, or discipline. You can’t know that if you do not ask and listen.

6.Help with homework. A great way to be a good parent is to ensure your child feels secure about themselves, educationally, and in other aspects of their life. Help make sure they never have to feel stupid, or insecure about their abilities by helping them through their homework. You won’t know if they are struggling unless you take an active interest. If you help them you can spot areas they may need extra help with, and get them a tutor or something else.

7.Make them dinner. Eating meals as a family helps to improve your family life, and will help you be a better parent. It will ensure you know where your child is, and that they are ok. It will help you know that they are eating the right foods, it will help you to know they are ok.

8.Spend time as a family. If you want to be a good parent, make sure your child knows they have a place in your home and are important to your family. They will not seek acceptance as much in other outlets, like gangs, etc. if they feel apart of a family. So spend time as a family strengthening those bonds.

9.Tuck them in. Even teenagers should be tucked into bed. Whether you are going to do a whole routine with stories, songs, prayers, and what not, or you just take a minute to say good night and turn out the lights, tucking your children in helps them feel loved, and watched over.

10.Take time for yourself. If you want to be a better parent then make sure you take time for yourself so that you have the patience and energy to deal with the trials of being a parent.