Raising children requires a lot of love.
It’s not always easy, but love builds strong, healthy families. It’s the key to a healthy relationship between parents and children.
Being a good parent isn’t about what you can buy for your kids. It’s about loving them always, unconditionally, even when you’ve had a long day or they’re getting on your nerves.
That love means you want what’s best for your children. Sometimes we want THE best for our children. Sometimes we demand so much from our children it’s impossible to meet our expectations.
How’s your parenting?
What family values are you teaching your kids?
Do wish you were a better parent?
We gathered up the best parenting advice from our platform’s parents and children relationship experts. Take a look at these 9 parenting tips to help change your family relationships for the better.
Set some ground rules
Be clear about the rules and responsibilities of each family member–and make sure all parents are on the same page. Everyone in the household should know what the rules are and the consequences of breaking them. Of course, those rules and punishments should always be fair and age-appropriate. Children need to understand that actions have consequences and it’s important for all caregivers of that child to agree. If someone stops enforcing the rules, the whole system fails.
Criticize properly
If your child breaks the rules, explain to them what they’ve done wrong. Children should understand why they’re being punished. Focus on the action, not the person. Criticize only the unacceptable behavior and not the child. You don’t want them to feel guilty for normal childhood mistakes, which can manifest into greater issues. This is a moment of learning. Teach them what they did wrong, why it’s wrong, and what they should do next time.
Be a worthy role model
Kids are sponges. They absorb everything from the people around them, especially their parents. We see our behaviors, habits, attitudes, and personality traits reflected in our children. It’s your job to set an example worth absorbing. Show your child how to be a good person in the world by being the type of person you want them to become. Watch what you say and do around your kids, including how you talk to and treat yourself!
Love your children for who they are
We are all wonderfully unique and complex creatures. Everyone has their thoughts, dreams, habits, traits, and quirks–including the ones we inherit from our parents. Recognize that your child is a special individual with a special view of the world. Who they are and what they see may be different from your experience and that’s OK. Support and encourage your children but let them be who they want to be and love them as they are.
Don't force socialization
Children have an uncanny sense of a person’s true self. If your child is uncomfortable around certain people, don’t force interaction. This goes for other kids and adults. Let kids choose their friends. Don’t force kids to be friends just because you’re friends or coworkers with the parents. And don’t force kids to socialize with or hug adults they don’t want to be around. Instead, trust in your child’s instincts.
Create family traditions
Kids grow up in the blink of an eye. Make as many memories as you can while they’re young. Create traditions that celebrate your time together. Have a weekly board game night, read a book before bed every night, bake together every weekend, take a regular family hike, or whatever else your family likes. It's moments like these that make for fond family memories that last a lifetime.
Practice digital parenting
Children are online younger than ever. Make sure you always know what your child is doing on the internet. Be around when they’re on the computer or device and ask them about their activity. Remind your kids that they can ask you about anything they encounter online. It may help to explore the parental controls on your phones, tablets, and computers to set screen time limits and control what your child can access.
Answer every (potentially annoying) question
Children are curious. Parenting can sometimes feel like an endless interrogation with a constant barrage of questions about every tiny detail of everyday life. Don’t dismiss the countless questions. The more you answer, the more your child thinks about the world around them and the people in it. No matter how annoying another “why?” can be, never stifle a child’s interest in learning.
Take a break
Every parent needs an occasional break. If you’ve got a baby or small child at home this is especially true. Hire a babysit and take yourself to the movies or the spa, or just go for a walk. When your child sleeps, don’t start cooking or cleaning. Take a nap, have a bath, or read a book. Spend time doing something you enjoy and that helps you feel happy and fulfilled. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup so take time to fill yours up when needed.
Being a parent is one of life’s greatest joys, but it's also very challenging. We all want to be perfect parents, but it doesn't work that way. No family perfect. Not even the ones who post perfect pictures of beautiful families on social media.
It's enough to just be good parents who are imperfect, like all people, but who give their kids a happy childhood. Love is the most valuable investment in your children's future.
A psychic reading can provide expert advice for parents and children. Learn how to ignite your child’s spiritual growth by unlocking their potential, setting them free from social demands, and ultimately assisting them to find their true passions in life.
