5 Ways to Be a Great Parent

Being a good parent is fine, being a great parent is something to aspire to. The following is a look at how you can be a great parent.

First, set some rules or boundaries with set consequences.

Great parents do not let their children run wild and have no accountability for their actions, just the opposite. Great parents have firm rules with defined consequences in place. This is going to help their children know what to expect, and feel secure in knowing that their parents will react a certain way. So, take the time to set rules for your home and kids, and attach appropriate consequences to those.

Second, practice consistency and tolerance with your children.

Children are not perfect, and neither are you, so it is important that as you strive to be a great parent that you are tolerant of your children’s faults, but still consistent with the consequences and boundaries in place. Let your children know when you make a mistake, and help them own up to theirs as well.

Third, be around when your kids need you.

Kids have what are often referred to as “cross roads” times during the day. These would be when they leave for school, when they get home, and when they go to bed a night. Great parents do their best to be there for the cross roads of their children’s lives. This means kids know that their parent will be there to ensure they do their homework when they get in from school, to check their mood, to listen, etc. A good parent always has a shoulder available to cry on, and will always turn off the television, or hang up the phone if their kid needs to talk.

Fourth, show unconditional love.

Great parents show their children that they love them no matter what. Kids that have great parents are not in fear that if they disappoint or let down their parents that the love will be withdrawn. Great parents tell and show their children how much they are loved, and love them no matter what mistakes they make.

Fifth, take a break sometimes.

Great parents know how to take a break when parenting gets to be too much. Parenting is difficult, but the best parents have learned how to take time for themselves in order to rejuvenate and get their energy and motivation back in order to do a better job. They know how to call a sitter and go out on their own occasionally. They know how to have “me” time.