Parenting is hard work. Parents invest time and effort into raising children they hope will become intelligent, industrious, responsible adults. It can be frustrating when your best efforts do not appear to produce any tangible results. However, remember it takes years to instill values in your children. The impact of the good parenting skills manifest themselves over time, as your sons and daughters make the gradual transition from children to adults.
Communication
Good parenting skills can help your kids become better communicators. In "The Power of Positive Parenting," Dr. Glenn Latham says children are more likely to repeat the communication style of their parents. Parents who actively listen, respond with empathy and problem solve are more likely to raise children who practice these valuable communication skills. The friends, neighbors and co-workers your children meet in the future will benefit from the positive communicating style your kids learned from you.
Responsibility
One of the most valuable principles parents teach their children is responsibility. Parents who hope to raise responsible children must create opportunities to learn responsibility, according to Latham. By giving him age-appropriate chores, you communicate to your child that work is important. By establishing a reasonable deadline for task completion, you teach your child how to manage his time. Both skills will serve him well when he is grown.
Caring Behaviors
According to KidsHealth, parents should "be constantly aware that you are being observed by your kids." Your child might repeat in public things you do or say in private. For example, a child who observes her mother gossiping or her father arguing and belittling others probably will mistreat her siblings and classmates too. However, parents who model tolerance, kindness and forgiveness teach by example what it means to treat people with respect and how to make and keep friends. Modeling caring behaviors for your child increases her chances of becoming a caring person herself.
Security
Children thrive in structured, disciplined environments, says Latham. Your dedicated practice of good parenting skills are a reflection of your deep, abiding love for your child. Knowing what is expected of him and what the consequences are for disobedience helps your child feel secure, even during those times he may chafe against your authority. According to Latham, children who feel secure in their parents' love are happier and more optimistic.
Self-Esteem
You have tremendous influence in how your child views herself. Much of her self-esteem depends on the messages she receives from you. According to KidsHealth, you should praise your children frequently, allow them to make their own decisions as often as possible, and reassure them when they make mistakes. It requires patience, insight and deliberate effort on your part, but your child will carry your encouraging words with her all of her life.
References
- Kids Health: Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting
- "The Power of Positive Parenting"; Dr. Glenn I. Latham; 1990
