It’s likely that you’ve made a New Years resolution that you’ll try your best to uphold. Perhaps it’s to workout more, shed some pounds, travel more, etc., etc.; boosting your parenting style could be a great one at the top of your list. As you well know, being a parent is a rewarding role yet it’s also one of the most challenging you’ll ever face. There is no 9 to 5 that you can clock in and clock out of—you constantly have to monitor and take care of your children at all times.
You’ll come across bumps across the way. How you resolve and prevent them is something you’ll have to tackle head on. Fortunately, there are ways to enhance your parenting style. Here are three worth considering this New Year—consider it a fresh start to how you do things:
Tip #1: Listen More
Let’s be frank—it’s easy to tune out your kids. After all, they ask and demand so many things out of you each and every single day. But in taking the time to listen to what they are trying to say, you’ll avoid some ugly (and unnecessary) temper tantrums and breakdowns. You’ll have a better understanding of what requires your immediate attention and what doesn’t. In addition to this, you’ll be better equipped in taking the necessary measures to handle the situation. And though you haven’t probably thought about it, listen to your children will help keep your family safe—whether it’s at home or somewhere you go.
Tip #2: Have your child help around the house
Giving your child some responsibility creates character and keeps them accountable for tasks they are to do. Not everything should fall on your shoulders. Give them some age-appropriate housework to do—despite that they’ll likely protest this. But stay firm! It’s important that they contribute to the family; everyone needs a role. You can even change things up a bit and create a chore chart. This is an especially good idea for households with more than one child. Having diversity in chores will help keep things from becoming monotonous.
Tip #3: Do away of empty threats
Every parent makes empty threats, but they won’t achieve the behavior that you want to see. You have to tell them how something needs to be done and what will happen if it’s not done. For instance, if you say they have to clean their room or they can’t use their tablet, don’t let them have their tablet if they don’t clean it. The biggest thing here is to follow through on your guidelines and the consequences that you’ve established. In doing this, your child will quickly learn that you mean it—that it’s not hollow.
