- Play with Your Child.
Play is your child’s language. I mean get on the ground and play with them. Take delight in playing with your child. You can play at the park or play a board game inside. When parents play with their children, it helps their self-esteem.
- Allow Your Children to Do Things for Themselves.
This will give them a sense of independence. I know this is hard sometimes, but it helps teach them that making mistakes is alright.
Think back to the first time you successfully made cookies or candy. Maybe, it took a few times to get it right. But, in the end, you felt good.
This is the feeling you want your child to have. It will help them as they get older to try new things.
- Set Limits for Your Child.
You don’t have to be the parent that says “yes” to everything. Most children don’t like to go to bed or to do their chores. This doesn’t mean you let them out of it. It’s alright if they get upset with you.
You’re the parent not their friend at this time. You want to teach your child responsibility. Make sure they know what is expected and that you set a schedule. This will help your child feel safe and secure.
There’s No Such Thing As Parenting The “Right” Way
- Read to Your Child.
You can read to them at bedtime. Make it part of your nightly routine. They will look forward to it and you will, too. You can also read to them when they get home from school, or any other time during the day. Just, make time for it.
This will help them learn and it creates a bond between you and your child. Let them help with picking the stories.
- Make Time for Yourself.
As a parent, it’s easy to put yourself last. You need to spend time doing things that you find fun and fulfilling.
Even when you find your time stretched thin, add a little time for yourself, even if it’s only ten minutes. Take a bubble bath, go for a walk or watch a comedy. This will help make you happy. And what children need most are happy parents.
As a parent, I’m sure you’re doing the best you can. Nobody expects you to be perfect. We all make mistakes. I always tell my clients, “What makes a good parent is a parent that makes mistakes.” This will let your child know it’s alright to make mistakes.