One of the most fulfilling and difficult life experiences is becoming a parent. But how to be a better parent? Every parent desires to have happy children, but it is not easy to become one. Sometimes, it feels like there might not be a definitive guide to how to get it right. Harvard University has published a study that highlights how children’s emotional and cognitive development could be directly linked to the kind of parental support given to children throughout their upbringing. Well, good parenting, in purest terms, implies more than satisfying a child’s basic needs. It goes beyond that to create an environment of feeling loved, understood, and guided by such children.
If you’re wondering what makes a better parent, well, you are not alone. But there is good news; parenting is just like an art, and you can improve it through better understanding. Whether you’re navigating modern parenting challenges, dealing with a strong-willed toddler, or figuring out how to be a better mom, the key is to stay patient, intentional, and open to growth.
Let’s dive into eight powerful tips on how to be a great parent and nurture your child in the best possible way.
Essential Skills Every Parent Should Develop
1. Time spent together should be Cherished
Children want your attention, not your presence. A study by UOC has found that when parents invest quality time with their children, they are helping the child by building emotional resilience.
Tip: Instead of simply being in the same room as your child, actively engage with them. Play games, ask about their day, and show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
2. Open and Honest Communication
The foundation of any strong parent-child relationship is trust. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that children who feel heard and understood by their parents develop higher self-esteem and better problem-solving skills.
Tip: Active Listening is the key. Instead of giving your child encouragement right away, acknowledge their feelings with empathy and respond. For example, if your child is unhappy with a bad grade, don’t say, “You should have studied harder,” instead say: “I see you’re feeling quite frustrated. Let’s figure out what went wrong.”
3. Defining Clear and Consistent Boundaries
Children benefit from boundaries because they provide them with structure and stability. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, consistency in parenting results in a child’s great and positive outcomes in behavior.
Tip: Be firm but fair; Do not just say, “Because I said so,” to explain your reasoning behind the rules. A much better option is “We have a bedtime so that your body can rest and grow strong.”
4. Role Model Behavior
Children are like sponges; they just soak everything they see around them. If you want to instill values like kindness, patience, and honesty, you need to demonstrate them first.
Tip: Treat others in your life the way you would like them to treat your child, apologize when you have done something wrong, and model the behavior you want your child to follow.
For instance, rather than telling your child to “calm down,” show them how to maintain composure in the face of difficulty.
5. Teach Independence and Choice-Making
One of the qualities of a better parent is allowing children to develop problem-solving skills. Research from Stanford University suggests that children who are encouraged to make age-appropriate decisions grow into more confident and capable adults.
Tip: Just offer the youngster a few options. Rather than asking, “Wear your jacket,” ask, “Will you wear your blue or red jacket today?” They are still according to the rules, but they feel a bit more in charge.
6. Teach Emotional Intelligence
Just like academics, emotional intelligence is also very important. According to the Research in Child Development, children with a higher level of emotional intelligence do better in schools along with social relationships.
Tip: Teach the child how to recognize emotions and to express them appropriately. For instance: “I can tell you’re frustrated. Do you want to talk about it or take a break first?”
7. Show Unconditional Love and Support
These children require assurance for their whole lives that they will be loved without conditions. Parental warmth is the primary predictor of positive long-term adjustment in children.
Tip: Daily affirmation of love through words and deeds will be useful. Even when the chips are down, you could remind them that their love is not dependent on their performance or their actions.
Example: Instead of saying just, “I love you,” add on, “I love you no matter what happens, and I am always here for you.”
8. Continue Learning and Changing as a Parent
It’s a lifelong thing. No parent has all the right answers, and that’s just how it is. Probably the best parents of all are those who learn from other parents, adapt that knowledge to their own particular circumstances, and change their approach to parenting as the model gets changed through growing up.
Tip: Read other parents’ books on parenting, ask well-experienced sources how to go about it, or just admit you don’t know. Trust the growth, as this mindset works just as well for parents! It’s always beneficial to explore resources that provide insights tailored to your child’s needs. Whether you want to understand how to be a girl’s mom or how to nurture boys. Parenting can be a little different when it comes to raising a boy as they require different emotional and developmental support as compared to girls. Therefore, books really offer great help through different advice and strategies.
Final Thoughts: Parenting is a Journey and Not a Destination.
Being a good mother is learned and not done over a day; it’s more like an entire lifetime of learning, changing, and evolving to keep pace with the child. Just make sure that during this entire process, you are there for them, intending to be patient along the way.
There is no such thing as a perfect parent; only a willing parent towards improvement. These parenting skills discussed will become your first step towards your impeccable parenting style.