
How to Be a Great Parent: The Most Effective Parenting Tips and Advice
A baby's presence is announced loudly from the very first moments of life. Babies need food, comfort, sleep, warmth, and—what else do they really need?Children need someone who can wisely provide everything necessary for a happy childhood and healthy upbringing. They need a great parent!
Anyone can be such a superhero by:
- Overcoming stereotypes
A great parent addresses a child's problems flexibly, making decisions free from fear, family pressure, or social stereotypes.
One of the greatest fears of modern parents is making mistakes in raising their children. These anxieties can make adults feel uncertain and overly influenced by others' opinions, causing them to swing from one extreme to another. A great parent approaches each situation individually, instead of following stereotypes blindly.
Consider this common stereotype: "If I give my child everything they ask for, they will just want more and more, and will eventually become spoiled and uncontrollable."
- The child's parents are very busy with work, so they buy lots of toys to express their affection.
- The parents buy toys because they can't resist their child's tantrums and demands.
- The child is surrounded by many loving people who bring gifts during visits.
In the first two scenarios, parents should consider the lessons their child is learning if they continually buy toys. However, in the third scenario, gifts from family and friends are a natural expression of love.
- Developing their parenting skills and believing growth is possible
Parenting is a skill. While some people might have a natural talent for it, anyone can develop and improve. By turning to authoritative sources (books, lectures, psychological tests), you can learn more about children's inner worlds. Gradually, by putting this knowledge into practice, you'll become a better parent.
Advice:
If you feel unsure or worry that you're not the parent your children deserve, take our unique Parenting Mentor Test. Analyzing your answers, this psychological test provides insight into your family dynamic and highlights what you might want to adjust in your parenting style, as well as what to nurture and strengthen. Use these recommendations right away when communicating with your child. - Working together with the other parent and making compromises for the family
Parental unity in raising children is crucial. Without it, children can grow up feeling anxious, as constant conflict makes them insecure. If parents disagree openly, the child may learn to manipulate. It's best for parents to discuss and agree on approaches privately, away from the child. This helps protect the child's mental well-being. - Being a role model
We are all imperfect and have our bad habits—some smoke, others struggle with punctuality or anger. Still, imperfect adults have to guide children who are just beginning to understand life.
You are the key to overcoming any parenting challenge. Instead of demanding good manners from your child ("thank you", "please"), show politeness yourself: say "good morning" and "good luck!" to janitors, bus drivers, or supermarket cashiers. If you want respect from your children, make sure you show respect to your elderly relatives and friends. Trying to teach a healthy lifestyle or discipline won't work if you don't practice it yourself. - Showing empathy, but not worrying more than the child
To be a reliable support for your child, you need to be more emotionally stable than they are. It can be hard to deal with tantrums, shouting, or hearing "I hate you." It's challenging not to worry about your child if they're often sick or have difficulty making friends. However, our job is to remain calm, think clearly, and not become overwhelmed or depressed. As grown-ups, we help children identify their emotions, explain those feelings, and work through challenges together. This emotional strength is what makes children turn to us for support when they need it most.
Your child's harmonious development is in your hands! Learn to navigate the vast information available on parenting, pay attention to your child's unique qualities, and balance respect for their individuality with firm parental guidance. This balance makes you a great parent.
Advice:
If you're always looking to improve your family relationships or want a clear view of your current situation, our unique Parenting Mentor Test can help. After reviewing your answers, you'll receive practical tips on how to better express love and care for your child, as well as understand what your child needs from you during difficult times.