Parenthood is a beautiful experience where parents are actively involved in shaping the future of their children. While every parent strives to be the perfect example for their child, it is a road that is full of ups and downs. A good parent is not someone who is perfect and never makes mistakes. But it is more about trying one’s level best and being your child's lifelong companion and trustworthy friend. It's also about adapting to your child's changing needs as per their age and being a role model for them.
Effective parenting is an umbrella term that can be used to describe a lot of techniques that parents may have to adopt. Discipline, self-regulation, kindness, active listening, and emotional intelligence can be some of these. For parents who want to make the most out of this experience and form a wonderful ball with their child, here are some important characteristics that you may inculcate in yourself.
Here are some essential characteristics that parents may foster to ensure a positive parental experience.
Being an active listener, and considering your child's opinions important, can help enhance their self-worth. This may also allow the child to put out their thoughts and conflicts in front of you, without any fear or hesitation. Letting the child complete without interrupting or questioning them is a way of validating what they're feeling. Through active conversations, you may also teach your child the important lessons of life without dismissing their opinions and making them feel inferior.
As a parent, you will be the lifelong friend of your child. Making your child feel like they always have someone who they can count on can make so much of a difference in their confidence level and self-value. The unconditional love and support from parents can play a critical role in determining how the child will perceive themselves and regulate their emotions. Being present, both emotionally and physically during tough times may make a child feel secure and belonged.
Being a good parent is also about accepting every aspect of your child's nature. There will be times when your child makes some mistakes or doesn't follow the rules set at home. This is the time when you have to understand that such situations have to be dealt with with patience. Punishments and aggressive behavior may work momentarily but can have negative implications in the long run. A good parent is someone who knows when and how to handle a situation by understanding the child's perspective.
An encouraging parent is someone who motivates their child to try new experiences in life and follow their calling. An encouraging attitude is not just limited to academics but may also encompass extracurricular activities and making friends. Parents may also get actively involved in the everyday activities of the child and make them try new experiences. For example, you may simply sit with your child and explain a particular chapter from their textbook to them or see a fun movie with them. Such positive behavior may make your child more interested in experiencing and learning new things in life.
When a child is allowed to operate independently and make small decisions from time to time, they may begin to trust their calling. Giving them small responsibilities and the liberty to choose things from time to time encourages critical thinking in kids. With time, you may encourage them to make appropriate choices such as choosing their extracurricular activities or the clothes that they would like to wear. Slowly, you may see that the child develops into a more self-reliant person.
A disciplined parent would know the importance of time management and scheduling one’s tasks in a day. Discipline also gives one the power to differentiate between what's right and what's wrong. A good parent is someone who can set clear boundaries with their child and tell them to differentiate between what's right and what's wrong. Discipline is also about logical explanations where a parent may sit and explain to the child the negative repercussions of not respecting one time. It's not about punishment, but about practical thinking and teaching them a sense of self-control so that they can make responsible choices.
It is extremely special to be a parent, and each moment is to be cherished. However, this whole experience can be full of some unexpected challenges that can be easily tackled by maintaining the right kind of attitude. Always try to remember that a good parent is not someone who does everything right, but someone who always tries to give their best in the process.