Parenting is a challenging, but rewarding, job. Kids Health suggests many ways to raise healthy and happy children. Effective parenting is important because it helps your children grow and develop, and it gives you the satisfaction of raising healthy children.
Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem
Nurturing your child is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a parent. Your child needs to know you love and support her. Kids Health recommends praising your child's accomplishments, encouraging your child to be independent and avoiding criticizing your child's efforts. Compassion for your child and an understanding of the difficulties and joys of growing up will send her the message that you care about her. Telling your child that you love her no matter what will boost her self-esteem and help her feel special, valued and worthy.
Spend Time With Your Child
According to Kids Health, your child loves to spend quality time with you. Setting aside time to spend with your child will allow her to share her thoughts and feelings with you so that you can learn how to parent her more effectively. Spending time with your child sends her the message that you love her and that you value time to bond and connect.
Kids Health reports that children who do not get enough attention from parents may misbehave to get it. Quality time gives your child the attention she needs and can provide valuable opportunities to have fun together.
Be A Good Role Model
Jorge Espinoza, author of "Effective Parenting," suggests that modeling appropriate behavior is an important way to be an effective parent. Children learn from their parents, and modeling the values and expectations you have of your child will help teach her how to navigate the world around her. Espinoza recommends apologizing to your child when you are wrong, modeling a healthy lifestyle and practicing what you preach. When your child sees you behaving in a certain way, she is more likely to adopt similar behaviors into her own life.
Use Consistent Discipline
Discipline is a necessary part of being a good parent, and Kids Health suggests that successful discipline is possible when you are consistent with your expectations and your consequences. Espinoza writes that teaching your child that she has responsibilities will help her behave in ways that you find acceptable. Limits, household rules and clear expectations will enable your child to make appropriate choices and will ensure that she learns self-control and responsibility.
References
- Kids Health: Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting
- "Effective Parenting"; Jorge Espinoza; 2002
