Raising a child can be challenging, so it’s important to learn skills and techniques from veteran parents to continue to grow at it. By knowing what to anticipate and when to expect it as your child grows, you will shine as a parent.
Below you will find a collection of valuable ideas to help improve your parenting skills. No parent has all the answers, though all you need is access to all of the resources that do.
Just starting out. If you are pregnant or a new parent, don’t let spend money on expensive items for your child’s nursery. Cradles, blankets, changing tables, and other items, can be purchased much cheaper at stores, like Walmart, while also providing high quality. Friends and family members may be willing to donate items that are no longer being used. Better yet, check local yard sales and yard sale sites for gently used items.
Bedtime rituals. Avoid interrupting your child’s eating and sleeping routines when you are traveling. Traveling can be stressful for kids, especially babies. Continuing established bedtime rituals helps your child to feel comfortable and ensure they get plenty of much-needed sleep.
Handwashing. For many babies and toddlers, there is a fear that can come from getting their heads wet. Let your baby or toddler hang their head over the sink while you pour water over it. You may need to make a clean space on the counter where your child can lay.
Potty training. When potty training your child, let him try regularly. Toddlers may grapple with communicating their restroom needs, so allowing them many opportunities can help avoid accidents before they happen. Taking your child to potty every hour is the best way to prevent accidents from occurring. By doing this, your child will soon be able to recognize when he has to go and when he doesn’t.
Travel smart. If you’re traveling by plane with young children, try to use the security checkpoint designated for families. Generally, they can be found at most larger airports. This will let you and your family to go through security at your own pace without concern with rushed travelers. Remember everything you bring with you will be scanned by TSA, including shoes, car seats, electronic devices, and diaper bags.
Encourage playing. For children, playing is in their nature. Not only is it enjoyable, it’s also essential for proper development. Parents should allow their children to play by themselves and with others.
Team sports. A great way to produce self confidence in your child is to get them involved in team sports. Attending your child’s games or meets will help to inspire and support them. They will remember the times when you were there and it will help them to grow up to be strong adults.
Encourage activities. Sports and other after-school group activities are a great way for your child to grow socially. This helps your children to make friends, develop social skills, and expand their horizons, all of which are important on their road to and through adulthood. In addition, following these interests will keep them from inactivity and monotony, both of which can lead to unhealthy habits as adults.
Safety first. If your child walks to school, ensure they are wearing reflective materials on their clothing or backpack. You can attach this reflective material easily with Velcro strips. These strips are especially important in the morning and evening because it makes your child more visible.
Honesty. Think about how your child will perceive your words and actions. Speaking honestly to your children will build their trust in you.
Learn healthy discipline. Parents should never submit to anger when disciplining children. Children can get the wrong idea about how to effectively control their own frustrations and anger when they see it displayed in a way that is unhealthy. Especially avoid getting angry if the event wasn’t caused on purpose.
Encourage positivity. Encourage using positive language at home with your family to help your children get along better. “Gentle Touch” is a more positive way of stating a no-hitting rule.
Don’t give in. Don’t give your child everything he wants. Only comply with their wants if it’s reasonable to do so. Don’t let your child believe they have control over you. Additionally, don’t let them play with your emotions.
Time for yourself. Finally, be sure to take time out for yourself every now and again. Hire a babysitter or ask a family member to babysit, even if only for a couple hours. Parents care for their children 24 hours a day without relief are more likely to suffer from burnout and creating opportunities for poor choices and contribute to a tense family environment.
