There’s no single right way to raise a child successfully, and in fact no single way to define what a successful child-rearing experience is and so there’ll be times when things don’t go right, it is not how much time we spend with our kids that changes them, it is how well we spend our time with them and the value we can add to their lives with the little time we spend with them.
Here are 5 Principles every parent should know about Parenting:
Create Time For Your Children:
Creating time for your Kids is a conscious effort you put in to make sure that you are there for your kids. There is no perfect time for this, it is something you do deliberately especially when it is not convenient for you. It can be as little as tucking them in for bed and reading them a storybook, helping them out with homework etc.
Listen To Your Children:
Most parents do not have the patience to listen to their children especially when they are unable to clearly express their thoughts and feelings. Don’t blow them off with “I am busy” or “Go and ask your Dad”. As a Mum, your Kids need to know that they can always tell you anything without feeling like they are a nuisance and the truth is that kids know when they are not actually being listened to and this can lead to feelings of rejection and low self-esteem. You might not have an answer for every question, but always leave your children with the impression that they can always talk to you whenever they want.
Apologise When You Are Wrong:
Saying “I am sorry” to your kids when you are wrong does not mean disrespect and If you think your children don’t know when you are wrong, you’re forgetting some of your observations during your own childhood.
One of the most practical parenting principle every parent should know is to learn how to apologise to your children when you are wrong. This teaches your kids to be humble and own up to their mistakes as nobody is above mistakes.
Explain Yourself To Your Children:
I cringe when I hear a parent tell a child they should do something “because I say so.” This teaches children they don’t have to justify their actions to anyone. It short-circuits reason. If having no explanation for your actions is good enough for you as a parent, it’ll be good enough for the child who is entering adulthood.
Be Honest:
Most times we lie to Kids to avoid committing to things as little as buying them games, ice cream, clothes etc. Each time you lie to your kids, you plant a seed of distrust in them, and because kids grasp things very easily, even when you are saying the truth they will not believe you. Honesty is always best when raising kids and if you make promises to them make sure to keep them.
Do you have any parenting concerns or do you desire to listen to parenting experts give parenting advice and talk about raising children for the future? Then the LagosMums Parenting Conference and Exhibition holding on the 13th of October is an event you should attend. Attendance is free however, registration is compulsory. Remember, it takes an E-village to raise a child!
