You may think that being a lawyer or a doctor is one tough job. Well, say “hello” to being a parent. The responsibility of being a mother or a father is overwhelmingly tremendous. You are molding a precious human being and trying your hardest to mold the “best” way you can. Some days you will feel on top of the world, while others will leave you feeling exhausted. You will have moments where you feel like you’ve got it all under control and you’re doing a great job, and then there will be times you question everything. Through it all, being a parent is still, without a doubt, the best job in the whole world. When you look at your child and see all the hard work you put into raising him or her, you will feel a sensation that words can’t describe.
There are a million books on how to properly parent. In fact, there’s a whole parenting section of most bookstores. One book tells you to “do this,” while another tells you to do the exact opposite. Who are you supposed to believe? With that being said, there is some advice that stands through the test of time. Usually this advice is handed down from generation to generation. Parents tell their children, who tell their children, and so on. So here is the best advice that never goes out of style.
1. Listen
When your child talks, it’s crucial you listen. Whether they are 5 years old or 15 years old, when your child is trying to tell you something, it’s important. Even if it’s just to vent, you have to be there with open ears and an open heart. One day when they are teenagers (EEK), they might not be talking as much to you. Therefore, you want to cherish the times where they won’t stop talking up a storm.
2. Be consistent and follow through
One thing that is vital is that you follow through on your word. Say what you mean and mean what you say. If your child knows that you will never follow through, then it’s inevitable that he or she will get away with much more than you want. If you promise something to your baby girl or boy, then you will need to deliver. Your child will learn from an early age whether or not you are true to your word.
3. Be on the same page
If you have another parenting partner, it’s imperative that you both are on the same page. No “good cop” or “bad cop” situation here. You two should be a team, working together — not separately. Discussing decisions before with each other is the best approach. You’ll want to make sure you both agree with the direction of parenting and what is most important, when it comes to priorities.
4. Choose your battles
There are going to be SO many battles when it comes to parenting. When your child won’t stop crying because he or she wants one more cookie. Or, when your little girl wants to start wearing makeup and you are pushing back so hard. It’s times like these where you are going to need to pick and choose your battles carefully. Some things you will have to let go. Maybe if you come home and your little boy has made a huge mess in the living room — you can move past it. Or maybe your little girl just accidentally ruined that expensive dress you just bought her. All of these things are frustrating, but it’s important you put your energy into the battles that are worth fighting.
5. Use your words wisely
Even if you think your child doesn’t understand exactly what you are saying, it’s important you are aware that they do. If there’s something you wouldn’t want your child to repeat, be sure to not say it around them. Words can wound. Be mindful of what you say about yourself and others. Words are quite powerful and easily passed down from parent to child. Even if you’re saying negative comments about yourself, it’s vital to understand the effect it can have on your children. Positive words breeds positivity.
6. There is no “perfect” parent
Setting too high of expectations is never a good thing, especially when it comes to being a parent. It’s natural that you will want to be “perfect” at it. But, it’s impossible. There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So, stop being your harshest critic and be a little kinder to yourself. You deserve to feel good about yourself and your parenting skills.
