Becoming a parent is one of the most wondrous and overwhelming experiences in life. According to Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt, authors of "Giving the Love That Heals: A Guide for Parents," the experiences that your child has in the first three years of her life will help shape the person she becomes later in life. Learning how to parent in a positive manner will help you to raise a happy and healthy child.
Step 1
Use consistent discipline. Even young babies and toddlers understand your firm voice and the word, "no." According to Kids Health, using a consistent style of discipline sends the message that you are in charge. Decide what consequences will accompany certain behaviors, and follow through each time your child breaks the rules. Consistency helps your child understand what you expect of him. Discipline does not need to harsh for children under age 3. You can remove temptations or provide distractions to let your child know what he is and is not allowed to do.
Step 2
Support your child's growth and development. According to Hendrix and Hunt, your child needs love, attention and guidance as she grows from a baby to a toddler. Embrace your child's personality, and encourage her to explore in ways that satisfy her curiosities. Praise her efforts even if she is not able to complete the task yet. Provide her with many opportunities to explore, so her brain and body develop through playing.
Step 3
Spend quality time together. Set aside time specifically for playing and interacting with your child, according to Healthy Children. Your child craves your attention, and spending time with him lets him know that you care about him and want to be with him. Your baby might enjoy dancing with you to music. Toddlers enjoy playing games and going places with parents. According to Healthy Children, you should eat dinner as a family and develop a bedtime routine that includes plenty of time together.
Step 4
Let go of expectations, and let your child guide your parenting style. According to Kids Health, expectations often set parents up for feelings of failure and disappointment. Each child is different, and paying attention to your baby will allow you to form a close and meaningful relationship with one another. If you are struggling with a specific issue, such as potty training or discipline, try changing your child's environment to encourage changes.
Step 5
Meet your child's needs every day. Provide plenty of healthy food, make time for exercise, and make sure your child gets plenty of sleep. Make sure your child is safe by childproofing your home and always using a car seat.
Tips and Warnings
- Your local library or child's pediatrician are good resources to help you navigate through the first three years of being a parent.
- Each child develops at her own pace. Try not to compare your child with other children because chances are she will catch up when she is ready.
References
- "Giving the Love That Heals: A Guide for Parents"; Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt; 1998
- Kids Health: Disciplining Your Toddler
- Healthy Children: Positive Parenting: How To Encourage Good Behavior
- Kids Health: Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting
- Kids Health: One Formula for a Healthy Lifestyle
