Elizabeth Pantley, author of "The No-Cry Discipline Solution," suggests that most parents find the task of parenting far more complex than they expected. Once you think you have mastered a particular stage of parenting, your child transitions to the next stage. No matter what stage your child is in, though, there are some basic guidelines to child-rearing. Remember that your children learn much from watching and interacting with you.
Time for Yourself
Parenting can be all-consuming and exhausting. It is important to take time for yourself, according to the website KidsHealth. Replenishing your own energy reserves by engaging in something you find fulfilling also benefits your child in the long run, because he sees you modeling good self-care. Also, when you feel refreshed after having time for yourself, you can parent more positively.
Self-Esteem
There are plenty of ways you can support your child's self-esteem, according to KidsHealth. Offering praise to your child, giving her a chance to develop new skills instead of doing things for her, and modeling positive self-esteem in your own behavior are all ways to help your child feel good about herself. It is damaging to a child's self-esteem to be criticized or belittled regularly, or to hear broad generalities about her behavior such as, "You are always working yourself up."
Discipline
Consistency and follow-through are keys to successful discipline, according to KidsHealth. Set your household rules, and be clear about the consequences for misbehavior, so that your child knows what you expect of him. If he misbehaves, follow through with the understood consequences, every time. This basic rule of discipline can apply from toddlerhood through the teen years.
Time Together
It is important to spend quality time with your child, according to KidsHealth. Create times where your child has your undivided attention. These can be simple moments such as reading a book together, chatting before bed, sharing a snack or talking in the car.
Flexibility
Things often don't go as planned when you are a parent. According to Pantley, flexibility and picking your battles make things more peaceful for you and make your child more willing to cooperate. Pantely emphasizes that you don't "have to be a perfect parent to raise wonderful children."
References
- KidsHealth: Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting
- "The No-Cry Discipline Solution"; Elizabeth Pantley; 2007
- KidsHealth: Raising Confident Kids
