Are there any perfect parents out there? No? Well, don’t feel bad. There’s no such thing as a perfect parent, just like there’s no such thing as a perfect child. However, we can be successful parents, raising healthy, well-adjusted children who are ready to handle the challenges of becoming an adult. Successful parents know that parenting isn’t easy. There’s always more to learn about improving parenting skills.
Tips for Improving Parenting Skills
No matter how many children you have, parenting is always a learning experience. Improving parenting skills isn’t impossible – it just takes a commitment on your part. Here are some recommendations we share with those who are dedicated to becoming better parents:
Love and Support Your Children
The most important part of improving parenting skills is to show your child love and affection. Make it a point to spend quality one-on-one time with your children. Nurture them with emotional support and unconditional love. Support and encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts.
Listen to Your Children
Improving parenting skills requires listening to what your child is trying to say to you. Listening to your children can give you vital insight into their lives. Remember, listening isn’t just about hearing the words your children are saying to you, but also understanding the thoughts and feelings your child is trying to communicate to you.
Give Your Children Unconditional Love
Make sure your child knows that you love and accept them no matter what, and that they can confide in you whatever problems or feelings they are experiencing. Improving parenting skills means talking to children without judgement or criticism.
Spend Quality Time with Your Children
A big part of improving parenting skills means developing a good relationship with your children. Spending quality time with your child is an effective way to build this relationship. Quality time gives parents and children a way to get to know each other better and strengthen the bonds between them.
Learn how to Stay In Control of Your Emotions
Parenting is stressful. Sometimes it may seem overwhelming. Losing your cool isn’t good for you or your children. Learn to manage your stress and avoid venting stress onto your children or partner, no matter how crazy things might get. Improving parenting skills sometimes means improving your emotional regulation.
Be a Good Role Model
Children pick up a lot of their good and bad habits from their parents. Improving parenting skills requires parents to be good role models for their children. This can include having a positive attitude, respecting and listening to your child, treating others with respect, maintaining and promoting a healthy lifestyle, volunteering and public service. Being open with your children will make them more likely to open up to you.
Help Your Children to Become Responsible and Independent
Nobody wants to be a “helicopter” parent. Improving parenting skills sometimes means taking a step back. One of the most valuable things we can do for our children is to provide them with the means to become responsible and independent adults. Don’t do things for your children that they should be doing themselves. Let them make their own (age appropriate) choices and allow them to learn from their mistakes.
Learn to be an Authoritative Parent
There are three general styles of parenting. Permissive parents are too lenient and don’t stick to consistent boundaries or rules. Authoritarian parents are just the opposite – too strict, harsh and they often coerce or force children into doing things. Permissive parenting can produce “spoiled” children, while children with authoritarian parents can be rebellious or resentful.
Authoritative parents get the mix just right. They show love and affection towards their children without being indulgent. There are rules and boundaries, but these can be revised if the situation warrants. Psychologists have determined that authoritative parents are most likely to raise children who enjoy healthy, happy and successful lives.
If you’re working on improving parenting skills, ask yourself what kind of style you have and where you could improve.
Dr. D Ivan Young Can Help You Become a More Successful Parent
None of us are born knowing how to be a good parent. We all want to be the best parent possible for our children’s sake. However, sometimes we need help and guidance if we’re working on improving parenting skills.
That’s where Dr. D Ivan Young can help. Dr. D Ivan Young holds a PhD in holistic life coaching and is a Master Certified Coach, a Master Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner, and a Master MBTI Practitioner. You might have seen or heard Dr. Young on YouTube, CBS, FOX and Blog Talk Radio to name a few. His skills and experience as a family counselor and relationship coach has enabled thousands of men and women become more successful parents. If you are interested in learning more about improving parenting skills, the Doctor is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. D Ivan Young.