1. Every Child Is an Individual
Being a fair parent means that you treat your child as an individual. Many times, especially in families with more than one child, parents tend to take a cookie cutter approach to raising all of the children. It is important for parents to remember that each child has his own strength, weaknesses, needs and desires. Because of these numerous differences, it is important to take each child's attributes into consideration when dealing with that child. It is also important that parents avoid comparing children to one another.
2. Explanations Are Necessary Sometimes
Parents are responsible for making decisions every day that affect a child for the rest of her life. Sometimes, a parent must insist that things be done in a way that goes against what the child wants. In order to be a fair parent, especially when you have more than one child, you may have to explain the reasons for your actions to your child. One case where this may be necessary is if you let one sibling do something but you won't let another sibling do the same thing. One important point to remember is that when you explain your reasoning, you shouldn't put down either sibling.
3. Love Is Universal
Although children's needs vary from one child to another, all children have one thing in common. That common thread is that they need and desire their parents' love. Spending time doing things with your child that both of you enjoy is one way to show him love. By the same token, setting rules and boundaries are ways to show your child love. When a child is behaving in a negative way, a fair parent will let the child know that she loves him but that she doesn't approve of his actions.
4. Set Standards
Preparing your child to lead a productive adult life is part of being a fair parent. You must teach your child to follow rules, respect values and live up to moral standards. There are many ways to do this. The best way is to lead by example. Show your child the proper way to behave in any situation. Insist that your child does her best in school. Encourage her to be a team player.
5. A Dose of Reality
Parents sometimes sugar coat the harsh realities of life. Doing this isn't fair to a child. Part of being a fair parent is letting your child deal with the bad things in life as well as the good things in life. This teaches your child how to be a strong and self sufficient person. Problem solving skills are necessary at every stage of a person's life. Children don't need to know everything that happens unless it will directly affect them. It is just important that, as a parent, you make it known that life isn't always easy.
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