Effective parenting skills: How to be a good parent

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Am I raising my child the right way? Nowadays, most parents are apprehensive about their parenting styles and skills. It would be really convenient if there were manuals that could guide them on how to be good parents. Although such manuals are available, it could be difficult to lay your hands on an authentic one.  This blog offers parenting advice to help you build your mindset, skills and strategies.

Many things change as your child develops from a toddler to a schooler and teenager but the basic principles of parenting remain the same. According to a study published in the Journal of Research of Adolescence, the more positive the parent–child relationship, the better their psychological well-being. Parents don’t just raise children; they lay the foundation for the future of their children. The manner in which a parent prepares their child for the future depends on theirpr parenting skills. 

Effective parenting: Overview

Effective parenting not only means fulfilling your child’s needs but also engaging with them to develop knowledge, emotional skills and well-adapted behaviours.

The ‘3 Fs’ of effective parenting

Firm: Resort to a firm approach when you come across inappropriate behaviour. As a parent, you should be strict about the rules and guidelines set by you and take action when your child deviates from those. 

Fair: Be fair in your actions when your child does wrong. Punishments need not be harsh. The whole idea is to teach them the difference between right and wrong. 

Friendly: While being firm with reprimanding your child about their inappropriate behaviour, it is important to be friendly too. Only then will the child try to understand the problem and not merely concede to things under pressure. 

Effective parenting skills

Be a role model: Be the person you want your child to be. Respect your child, teach them the importance of positive behaviour and attitude, have empathy towards your child’s emotion and teach them to be considerate towards others. 

Show love through action: You can show your love through simple actions such as giving them hugs, spending time or playing with them and listening to their issues attentively and advising them as a true mentor. 

Firm yet positive parenting: Parenting need not be strict and authoritative. Sing your child’s favourite song. Go to the park. Play your child’s favourite sport with them. Laugh with your child. Go for a ride together. Solve a problem together with a positive attitude.

Such experiences not only create a good impression on your child but also form memories for a lifetime. Focus on your child’s overall development and make it an opportunity to prepare them for the future.

Interactive learning and cognitive development: It is important to communicate effectively and at the right time. Communication should be two-sided. This will help you build trust and have a better relationship with your child. An important aspect of communication is that it aids cognitive development. Share your experiences, narrate a story and encourage your child to share their opinion. 

Don’t resort to corporal punishment: Caning and beating may seem to be an easy solution but it does not help the child differentiate right from wrong. It only builds fear in the minds of children. It is advisable to practise positive discipline and avoid punitive measures. You should teach your child what is morally right and wrong. Setting benchmarks and being consistent are the keys to good discipline

Good parenting skills do not refer to parents who do everything for their child, but, those who use effective parenting to provide a bright future to their kids and guide them through their development. Good parents may not always fulfil all the demands of their child but are always there for their children.