Every mom or dad wants to be the best parent they can be for their child.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility of parenthood? Not to worry. The desire for being a good parent is something that most humans in our history have felt.
And with the right advice and a few pointers in the right direction, you will be just that. An amazing mom or dad to an equally amazing child.
We’ve gathered some of the best information and quick tips for parenting that will help the parents out there. Read on to hear a few pieces of timeless advice that will be sure to put you at ease.
Avoid the Temptation to Google
Never before in our history have we had so much information available to us at our fingertips. Whenever any question or thought arises inside of us, we can quickly ask Google.
But for most of human history, parents have not been afforded the privilege. And for the most part, their children have turned out all right.
The problem is that endless googling leads down a rabbit hole that leaves you more anxious than when you started. Instead, try to use your support network of friends and family, or possibly your pediatrician if they allow.
Every Child Is Different
The simple fact of the matter is that every child is different. You have to do what works best for that particular child. Some children will need stronger discipline than others and there may be times when you need to make a difficult decision that you otherwise would.
There may be times when you question your own decision-making. This is perfectly okay, and you have to remember that it is simply what is working right now. Try to tailor those decisions for each child and give yourself some grace along the way.
Avoid Comparison
In the same light, don’t be concerned about how your children are compared to others. With some rare exceptions, a child who is behind in one area will almost always catch up appropriately.
We face our own battles with social media as parents and have the temptation to compare. But because every child is unique, it’s best to keep our eyes in front of us.
Capture Your Sweetest Memories
Just imagine what it will be like to look back on the special moments you are now having been 20 years. Your life won’t always be picture-perfect and ready for a photoshoot. Often times the sweetest memories you are able to capture are the real ones, messy and all.
Sometimes a White Lie Is Okay
The reality is that as a parent you are under quite a lot of external stress. If someone asks you how your child is doing, it is okay to put on a smile with your answer. Nobody is perfect.
Acknowledge That Your Partner’s Style May Be Different from Your Own
For many, many happy couples, there is variation in parenting styles between the two partners. This is normal and to be expected.
One person may struggle with control and keeping a routine, while the other may struggle with perfectionism and needs to learn to let go. You may have slightly different philosophies on how to teach organization or coping skills.
Remember that you love your co-parenting partner and they do you. Their relationship with your children is going to be slightly different than yours. If you are able to let your partner be the parent they wish to be, you may find that your relationship with your children becomes sweeter in its own way.
It’s a Phase
Everything is a phase. There are countless behaviors that fall under this category. It’s important during the hard moments to remember that although the struggle seems never-ending, eventually it will pass.
New faces will come in their place, bringing the joys and challenges of parenting an older child.
Don’t Neglect Nature
Some of your fondest moments with your children may be out in nature together. Sometimes the house is too tight of a chicken coop, and you just need to get some fresh air with your family. The change of scenery of being in the outdoors is one of the most natural remedies to any problem at home.
It Will Get Harder…
Parenting is an extremely complex challenge that only gets harder as children get older. As a child grows into their teenage years, new challenges like the Internet and bullying will arise.
…But You Will Get Better
But the good news is that you will also mature as a parent. In fact, this is great news.
Your relationship with your child will grow in its own direction and become vastly more beautiful if you simply remain there for them. Trust your instincts as well as your heart.
Finding the Best Tips for Parenting
Every mom or dad wants to find the best tips for parenting. And there is so much advice out there, some of it good, some of it not as good. But parents must remember to approach parenting advice with an inquisitive and experimental nature.
The best parents try advice out; if it doesn’t fit, leave it alone. If it works well, by all means, keep doing it!
Just remember that the most important thing you can do for your child is to be there for them through thick and thin. If you keep making the effort to show up for them in their life, they won’t forget your influence.
If you enjoyed this article on parenting, be sure to check out our other resources for taking care of kids at home!
Leave a Reply