10 How To Be The Best Parent I Can Be
Updated on: September 2023
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How to Be the Best Parent You Can Be
If there is a beautiful baby or child in your life, review some points on how to raise him to be a beautiful adult.
BE THE BOSS.
What is up with the world's view that a child can suddenly order the parent around, even curse his parent out? This is so mind-boggling. But we have to recognize that the only place they could have learned that from is ... YOU. Raising your child is not a time to give in and bow down to his bad behavior.
SEND THEM OUTSIDE.
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is to cater to their child's every fancy when it comes to all these new-fangled gadgets out there. Video games, computers, etc. are lazy kid-makers. What happened to the days of kids playing in the park, with the neighborhood kids on foot, in the trees? One of my favorite movies, The Sound Of Music, paints a beautiful picture of this with the 7 children ~ in the trees, in the lake, on the street, in the fields, etc.! Provides needed exercise (wonder why we have so many obese kids in the world? Yes, McDonalds, but also lack of exercise), too.
NURTURE HEALTHY HABITS.
Just because they're making all these microwave dinners and quick snacks doesn't mean you have to be the kind of parent to give into it and buy it. Of course there's nothing wrong with an occasional Twinkie, but build strong healthy-eating habits in your children now. If you have to dress up the broccoli a little with a sprinkling of cheese. Pop popcorn when watching a movie and be happy with that. Stress that snacks are like rewards you treat yourself to every now and then. Believe it or not, I loved things like broccoli and onions when I was a little girl. Why? Because my parents showed that they always really enjoyed it and so I wanted to eat what they were eating even as a little tiny toddler, and my mind grew to recognize that this was the good stuff.
COMMENDATION.
While correction is necessary, it is best preceded by a little commendation. Start by saying something like 'You did a nice job on your project the other day at school, but I want you to understand the importance of what your teacher brought to my attention the other day...' Also, throughout the day, if you notice something exceptional, and especially if you know that your child has done something especially for you, commend them.
DISCIPLINE.
Spare the rod and spoil the brat. Discipline is a way of telling your children that you love them. It sets them right for life, helping them to always make good decisions throughout their life.
LAZINESS IS NOT ALLOWED.
Teach your children the importance of being hard workers. It serves them well later in life, and they will learn to finish a job they started - no matter how menial. They will gain the respect of their peers. So that means if you notice them sitting around doing nothing or engaging in too much recreation, set the record straight.
FOLLOWING RULES ARE FOLLOWED BY GREATER RESPONSIBILITY.
Set rules - laws of your home. And if they are not followed, there comes discipline such as taking away certain privileges . . . however, if your child is doing well at following rules, it might be profitable to consider giving them greater responsibility, such as: If they consistently make their bed everyday, they are allowed an extra dollar as an allowance to spend wisely. Things like this. Responsibility to a child is like a reward.
READ WITH THEM!
There is almost nothing better. I remember as a child my mother and father would take time every evening to read a Bible stories book to me. What did it tell me? That they were taking time away from their busy schedule for ME! And to do something really worthwhile.
PLAY WITH THEM!
This is what they call "quality time" - what does your child like to do? Go out and do it with him! This creates some of the best memories! And, again, it tells your child you care and are taking time out just for them.
BE THEIR BEST FRIEND.
Encourage them to talk to you. Do not try to pry into their life and business, but make it known that you are always there to listen if ever they want to talk to you. If a situation arises that you are deeply concerned about them or something they have done, do not hesitate to inform them that you would like to sit down with them for a few minutes and discuss what's been on your mind. This shows them that you are a friend. And over the years, their trust in you can only build.
TEACH BY EXAMPLE.
It's not very good to say by your actions: "Do what I say but not what I do." That is the worst example of all, and 9 times out of 10 your children will do what you did, and not what you said.