You may think that being a lawyer or a doctor is oneย 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 โbestโ 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 youโve got it all under control and youโre 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 canโt describe.
There are a million books on how to properly parent. In fact, thereโs a whole parenting section of most bookstores. One book tells you to โdo this,โ 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 fromย 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, itโs crucial you listen. Whether they are 5 years old or 15 years old, when your child is trying to tell you something, itโs important. Even if itโs 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 wonโt 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 itโs 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, itโs imperative that you both are on the same page. No โgood copโ or โbad copโ situation here.ย You two should be a team, working together โ not separately. Discussing decisions before with each other is the best approach. Youโll 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 wonโt 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. Itโs 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 โ 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 itโs important you put your energy into the battles that are worth fighting.ย
5. Use your words wisely
Even if you think your child doesnโt understand exactly what you are saying, itโs important you are aware that they do. If thereโs something you wouldnโt 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 youโre saying negative comments about yourself, itโs vitalย toย understandย the effect it can have on your children. Positive words breeds positivity.
6. There is no โperfectโ parent
Setting too high of expectations is never a good thing, especially when it comes to being a parent. Itโs natural that you will want to be โperfectโ at it. But, itโs 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.ย
