Let’s be honest. Parenting is no easy feat. Kids don’t come with an instruction manual. In fact, they’re one of the few things in life that don’t. But have no fear! We’re going to make things a little easier for you!
We’ve dug through the darkest corners of the internet to find you the most stellar advice. So, without further ado, here are ten of our best parenting tips to help you support your kiddo like a pro!
Parenting Tip: Acknowledge your kid’s strong emotions. When your child’s meltdown is over, ask them, “How did that feel?” and “What do you think would make it better?” Then listen to them. They’ll recover from a tantrum more easily if you let them talk it out.
Parenting Tip: Savor the moments. Yes, parenthood is the most exhausting job on the planet. Yes, your house is a mess, the laundry is piled up, and the dog needs to be walked. But, your kid just laughed. Enjoy it now…it will be over far to fast.
Parenting Tip: Give your child unconditional love. Showing your child that you love them for who they are and not what they do is actually important to their self-esteem. It requires that you separate the child from his or her behavior. For example, toddlers frequently scream, cry, pout, strike out, and sulk when they are tired, uncomfortable, frustrated, hungry, or bored. At those moments, they are not very easy to be around, but this is the best time to show them you love them. If they are old enough to understand, explain that their behavior makes you unhappy or angry, but that no matter how badly they act, you still love them.
Psychologists agree that it is impossible to spoil or over indulge a baby, so take every opportunity to hold and caress them. Physical touch is important.
Parenting Tip: Schedule daily special time. Let your child choose an activity where you hang out together for 10 or 15 minutes with no interruptions.
Parenting Tip: Remember that discipline isn’t punishment. Enforcing limits is really about teaching kids how to behave in the world and helping them to become competent, caring, and in control.
Parenting Tip: You can’t be too loving. It is simply impossible to spoil a child with love. What we often think of as a product of spoiling a child is never the result of showing too much love. It is usually the result of giving a child things in place of love.
Parenting Tip: Reward your kids with things they get to do instead of things they get to have. This teaches them that their happiness comes from experiences instead of possessions.
Parenting Tip: When using discipline, be cool, calm, and consistent. Showing composure will teach your child how to properly manage their emotions from an angry to calm state, as will hugs and kisses after the discipline has been given out.
Parenting Tip: Children learn how to act by watching their parents. The best way to show your child how to behave is to set a positive example for them to follow.
Parenting Tip: Make warm memories. Your kids will probably not remember anything that you say to them, but they will recall the family rituals- like bedtimes and game night- that you do together.
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