Being a parent is very rewarding but also very challenging. From the moment your child is born, you need to develop a sixth sense and grow eyes in the back of your head. Little things can make a huge difference, and many parents might not even be aware of the impact that individual actions can have on the mental and physical development of their child.
There is a lot of good advice out there, but it is essential to consider that every child has their own individual needs and characteristics. Therefore, it can sometimes be hard to know what advice to follow and what to discard. If you are expecting your first child, these child parenting tips will get you off to a good start from day one.
You Are Being Watched
From the moment your little one is born, they will be paying close attention to your actions and behaviors. Babies are often described as sponges because they absorb every little thing that goes on around them. For example, if you spend a lot of time showing affectionate to them, and they also see open expressions of affection, this will have a positive effect on their interpersonal skills and mental development as they grow up.
The same is true of toddlers and young children, who will be super sensitive to your words. It is important to be careful what you say to them, especially if you are making comparisons between siblings. Aim for a balance of praise and constructive feedback if they do something wrong.
Be Consistent
Kids need boundaries and routines, as well as a discipline when they step out of line. It is crucial that you are as consistent as possible with this and that you act as a role model. If you are expecting your children to act a certain way, then you should certainly not to do the opposite in front of them. This will create confusion in the child and most likely lead to some form of rebellious or disruptive behavior, such as a temper tantrum.
As your kids get older, actively involve them in setting house rules, as this will help empower them. It will also help them understand that there are consequences for certain behaviors.
Never Forget Playtime
In the busy lives we lead, we often find ourselves complaining that we don’t have time to do anything. But one thing we should always remember as parents are to dedicate some time exclusively for our kids. Finding time to play with your kids or to read them a bedtime story will be much appreciated by your little ones. It also has the added benefit of helping to build up your child’s self-esteem and emotional development.
As you kids get older, try to provide a space for your kids where they will feel comfortable talking about their feelings and what is going on in their life. Your teenage children will appreciate having room to grow but will also value the security of having understanding parents when they need to chat.