Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting

There are nine steps to more effective parenting, and each step should be practiced to develop skills and confidence. Practice is vital to a successful parenting style. Children learn by doing and are more receptive to instructions when presented with a choice. Parents should practice letting go and self-discipline to establish their child's boundaries and standards. Learning by doing will help your child to become an independent adult.

Be patient and show affection to your child. Involve your children in the process, and don't rush them to share things. Encourage good behavior by being positive and nonverbal. Developing positive parenting skills involves modeling desired behaviors and using human communication techniques. Children need time to process information and learn from mistakes. Allow them time to share their opinions and ideas. Then, follow up on their mistakes and reward positive behavior.

Develop a system of consequences. It may involve a warning followed by a consequence. Many parents fail to follow through with consequences, such as telling a child that they should not talk back. If you want your child to learn, you have to follow through. If you don't do this, they will not learn to behave in a positive way. In addition, a consistent approach will reinforce good behavior patterns in your child.

Be reasonable in your expectations. Oftentimes, children are more effective with simple tasks that don't require any cognitive effort or critical thinking. As a parent, you need to remember that children will only be as effective as their parents. Be realistic in your expectations so that your child is not frustrated or discouraged by your behavior. You must be able to give your child the opportunity to express his or her feelings in a positive way.

Be attentive. While it is tempting to be busy with other things, it is best to listen carefully to your child. It shows that you care. Ask questions, and repeat back what your child says. Make sure they understand what you're saying and how it applies to their situation. If you're not clear, you might miss an opportunity to teach them. When you're able to do this, you'll be on your way to being a better parent.

Recognize your child's efforts and achievements. As a parent, it's important to recognize your child's efforts and progress. For example, a child of any age loves to hear that they are making a good choice. Giving them praise is an opportunity to build a strong relationship. It will also help your child learn and develop social skills. This will result in a stronger and happier life.

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