Parenting is one of the most difficult and responsible jobs, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ones when done right. It requires a lot of effort, but it’s also necessary in order for your child to grow up into a responsible and mature adult. Of course, there isn’t a detailed guidebook or a recipe on how to do it, and every child is different. However, there are certain things that are guaranteed to benefit your child and set them on the right path. With that in mind, here are a few tips that should help you raise your kids right.
Model the behavior you want to see.
The best place to start when raising your kids is yourself. It’s easy to tell your kids “do as I say, not as I do”, but the thing is, they will still learn more from your behavior than your words. And kids are like sponges, which means that they will absorb everything they see, from how you talk to other people to how you deal with your own emotions. So, be a good role model for your kids, and show them what it means to be a responsible and mature person.
Put your marriage first
People often say that their kids are the most important things in their life, and even though there’s nothing wrong with that, your marriage should never suffer. If you focus too much on your kids and not enough on nurturing your romantic relationship, you’re more likely to raise entitled children who don’t know what a healthy romantic relationship should look like. Remember – kids learn from you, so if you want them to have healthy relationships, you need to show them what that means. Therefore, make sure to hug and kiss your partner often, give each other compliments, and say “I love you” every day. By doing so, you’ll be giving your kids one of the best gifts any parent could give, and that’s the gift of a stable and loving family.
Give them time to play
Kids need time to play – not on tablets and computers but with other kids, outdoors. Playtime is essential for kids because it allows them to develop physically, mentally, and socially. Some studies have even shown that a playful attitude can be linked to better academic performance. So, make sure to find a good playgroup for your child that will engage all their senses. Provide them with a comfortable and dynamic environment in which they can achieve their full potential, and you’re more likely to have a happy child.
Encourage them to think
Many parents try to shield their kids from problems, but this doesn’t really benefit them. It only makes kids more dependent on their parents. So, when the time comes for them to make their own decisions, they are more likely to make mistakes. This is why you should encourage your kids to think for themselves. You can do so by, for example, asking them open-ended questions. You should also let them make their own decisions – on things that are suitable for their age, of course. For instance, you can let them choose what to eat for dinner or what color of the shirt they will wear that day. This way, they would not only gain more confidence but also learn more about themselves and their interests.
Listen actively
Young children talk a lot, and they ask a lot of questions, and sometimes, you’ll be too tired to answer each and every “why” and “how”. However, once they start actually talking, asking meaningful questions, and understanding the answers, it’s essential that you give them your undivided attention. Every question they ask is an opportunity to teach them something, and not just in the form of an answer. The way you talk to them is the way they will one day talk to other people. So, don’t type on your phone while your child is talking to you – show them that human interaction is more important than phones, newspapers, TV, and similar
Raising your kids takes a lot of dedication and effort, but if you do it right, you can rest assured that it would be worth it. So, consider the listed tips, do some research, spend quality time with your kids, and the results will show sooner than you might think.
