Parenting Tips That'll Make Life Easier

Being a parent is definitely not easy. It might come naturally to some but nevertheless, not easy. You have to constantly evolve everyday and learn so many new and different things in the process. I myself find it a great challenge to scold my children with a straight face. And I can't help but wonder how my mother ever did it. Now, let us discuss some greater challenges that the following parenting tips can help you overcome.

1. Give your time

As parents, we always make a fuss about giving our children the best. Right from getting them the best baby cradle when they were newly born to expensive gifts now and take them on fancy vacations because it means so much to you. But as children, all they want and need is your time. They want you to listen to stories about their imaginary friends, ask about their favourite teacher and best friend. 

Kids idolise their parents so much that nothing is as precious to them as playing catch with their dad than with a friend. If this is something of a struggle for you maybe because you have a full-time job, you can start small. Have a family dinner once a fortnight. I assure you that your kids will look forward to it. Or just put a small note in their lunch box. Anything to make them smile, yeah?

2. Communication is must

You should be your child's best friend. They should have the liberty to come to you with anything. Your ward should not feel the need to lie or hide things from you. They should not be ashamed to be themselves in front of you.

You should time and time again tell them that your love for them is unconditional in the true sense of the word. And make sure they believe it. We see so many children landing in trouble because they sneak behind their parents' back or we ourselves may have done it. But if you want to be in your child's life, then communication is key. There's no two ways about it.

3. Being a good role model

As I already told you, kids idolise their parents. They watch everything that we do ever so closely. I am sure all of you have frantically tried to stop your child from repeatedly uttering an unparliamentary word that you just let slip. They mimic the way we walk, talk, treat others, etc,. 

That is because until they are off to school, they only know us. As parents we influence about 70%-80% of our children's life. You have to teach them right from wrong and put a stop to any negative influences that might tempt them. And all of this can be easily done if you practise what you preach. 

4. Discipline

Teach your children to respect others. Teach them that everyone is equal. Teach them that even a smile on account of someone's misery is wrong. Teach them to be not just a good and kind human being but a great one. Good behaviour and moral values are deeply rooted in children who come from happy households. 

Talk to your child and try to make them understand why you do not approve of their actions as opposed to simply telling them that they are wrong. Words work better than canes.

Also, be open to their thoughts and ideas and don't be rigid in your ways. Times are changing and we would be fools to not change with it.

This whole section was written after a looooong conversation with my great great grandmother, who I'm afraid still remembers her struggles with motherhood quite fondly. She is also quite an expert at designing the best baby cradles and had mine made from an ace carpenter.