Though there are many differences in opinion on what good parenting is, one thing’s for sure— a good parent is one who strives to make decisions in the best interest of their child.

Though you may have parenting techniques that differ from your friends or family, you need to follow certain patterns to encourage good behavior in your children. Here are some tips to help you along your parenthood journey.

Be a Role Model

Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk.

Your child is like a sponge, they’ll absorb all the behavior that they see in your environment. That’s why it’s not enough to tell your child what they should do— you need to show them. Your child learns through imitation, and as humans, we’re wired to copy other people’s actions to understand and incorporate them.

If you want your child to be respectful and patient, show them positive behavior and attitude. Practice regular empathy, try to talk to your children positively, and try not to shout at them or punish them too often. This way, when they see patience being practiced by you, they’ll start practicing it themselves, unknowingly!

Discipline Them

Though we all want to be our child’s best friend, a little discipline is always required. This way, they’ll understand and learn about acceptable behaviors and develop better self-control.

Maintain discipline in your home by establishing rules. For example, make it a point to not allow your children playtime until they’re finished with their chores. Don’t punish them, but make sure that they face consequences for their actions, encouraging them to be more disciplined and orderly.

Improve Their Self Esteem

Your child’s early years are their most formative years, and everything you say and do is absorbed by them. Your words and actions in developing their self-esteem matter, so to be a good parent, you need to praise them. Celebrate their accomplishments, big and small— make them feel proud, and they’ll be able to develop a sense of independence and capability.

Boost up your child’s self-esteem by showing them some love. Always be your child’s biggest cheerleader, and don’t make any belittling comments or compare them to other children. Don’t make umbrella statements and use your words as a weapon, and instead learn to be compassionate and kind to your children, teaching them it’s okay to make mistakes sometimes.

The Whole Child Development Center is one of the best after school programs and child and infant day care centers based in Lenexa, KS. Offering affordable child care, we have a host of programs designed for children of all ages. With individual attention to all children and stimulating activities, we’ve been ranked among the best day care centers in Lenexa.

Get in touch with us to find out more.