Parenting is an art by itself. Raising your kids while trying to keep your life balanced is quite a back-breaking task. Some parents can pull off such a challenging job without batting their eyelids.
Good parenting is hard work, indeed! But, there are nuggets of wisdom available from the top-notch experts who find or suggest ways to improve your parenting skills.
As parents, there are always new things to learn to be a better one, whether it’s spending less time on your phones or fitting more personal time with the kids into your schedule, and so on.
We’re always looking for new tips and strategies to be a better mom or dad. That’s why we’re looking at 10 ways you can be a fantastic parent this year.
Top 10 Ways to Be a Fantastic Parent
Put Your Phone Away
Phones are great tools for learning, communicating with friends, and catching up on work. The problem is, the rest of the world is so accessible that it can distract you from spending time with your children. One way you can be a better parent is by putting your phone away.
Not only will putting your phone away gives you more time with your little one, but it may be better for your health, too. Cell phone addiction can cause depression and increase mental health issues.
There is now even a popular term for phone snubbing, known as phubbing. Marriage therapists strongly advise you against phubbing your spouse.
There are different marriage courses that endorse the concept of spending undiluted, quality time together. It would be a good idea to take up a credible marriage course that helps you understand ways to give undivided attention to your partner, while also giving you the tools to foster a happy relationship. Remember, happily married partners make for good parents.
Studies done by Cancer.gov found that cell phones release radiofrequency radiation that can be absorbed by the body. Research shows that participants who reported lower levels of cell phone use had a slightly reduced risk of developing brain cancer compared to those who used phones regularly.
Reduce Screen Time
Cell phones aren’t the only thing that can take a back seat. Great parenting tips for upping your mom or dad ‘game’ is by reducing screen time.
The Academy of Pediatrics has urged parents not to let their children indulge in more than two hours of screen time a day, especially for young children. When kids have too much screen time they are exposed to violence, sexuality, and a decline in viewing beneficial materials.
On the other hand, one study found that children who had monitored screen time experienced better grades, improved sleep, and healthier body mass.
Parents are encouraged to set limits to screen time including phones, tablets, television, and video games and to stick to their rules. It may be hard to tell your child “no” when they are crying or begging, but it’s important to stand by your word. Screen time can, of course, be adjusted as children get older and on weekends as a treat.
Leave Work at Work
If you have even the smallest ability to work from home in any capacity, it can be difficult to stop working for the day.
However, one of the best parental tips you can follow is to leave work at the front door.
Of course, you have to make a living to take care of your wonderful kids, but it’s equally as important to cherish the quality time you have with them while they’re still young.
Take the occasional phone call, answer the occasional e-mail, but make sure your family is your focus – not your job.
Be the Fun Parent
“Dad, can we go to the movies tonight?”
“Did you ask your mother?”
“Aww, but she’ll just say no!”
Does this sound familiar? Are you tired of your children going to your spouse when they want to do something fun, thinking that you’ll just shoot it down? It’s time to take the reigns as the fun parent!
Plan day trips, outings, have a slumber party in the living room, take the kids out for ice cream at random.
Don’t be afraid to get silly, creative, and fun.
Be More Health-Conscious
Exercise makes you happier and can relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Don’t let that thought of better health become a pipe-dream. Research shows that active children often grow into healthy, active adults, so get the whole family involved in healthier activities.
Have a Weekly Game Night
Family game night is an excellent opportunity for parents and kids to come together and have fun. There are so many things you can do with your little ones such as playing card games, board games, play sports in the backyard, have a game of charades, or even play some video games together.
Spending quality time together as a family is a fun activity that helps children learn and grow.
For example, research shows that video games with high attention requirements improve children’s reading skills, especially children with dyslexia. Many games, like card or board games, also help children with simple math, reasoning skills, communication, strategy, reading, and creativity – all of which boost brain function.
The family night does one more important thing – it bonds you as a family! This relaxed atmosphere is perfect for strengthening your bond as parent and child and having fun together.
Spend More One-on-One Time Together
Family time is great, but it is equally as important to give your kids some one-on-one time to bond with you. This will help prevent siblings from feeling jealous of one another and gives you a great opportunity to create open-communication and strong friendships with your kids.
Have a Positive Attitude
One way you can be a fantastic parent is by setting a good example.
Studies show that children develop by watching the behavior of those around them. You can set an excellent example by always having a positive and uplifting attitude, even when things seem tough.
Life is crazy – go with it!
Embrace New Opportunities
Studies show that it is parents who often help children establish lasting and positive friendships. After all, they are the ones setting up playdates and driving the kids to social events.
Be a cool parent by learning to accept new and exciting opportunities. Are your child’s friends inviting them to go on a camping trip? Let them go! Does your little one wants to attend their first concert ever? Say yes!
Accepting new opportunities sets a great example to your children to be brave and try new things.
Learn to Empathize
Have your kids ever come up to you with a problem that didn’t seem important? Likely, if your small child came up to you upset about not being picked for soccer or for their 8-year-old “boyfriend” breaking up with them, it wouldn’t be as big a deal to you as it is to them.
Still, hurt feelings are hurt feelings. Excitement is excitement, no matter how trivial it is to you. One of the best parenting tips you can apply is to be more empathetic to your child’s feelings.
The best parenting tips for honing your skills as a mom or dad are to be fun and have a positive attitude. Put your phone away, embrace new opportunities, and spend one-on-one time with your kids, as well as quality time as a family. Putting these things into practice will make you an excellent parent today.
Author Bio
Sylvia Smith is a writer who likes to write about relationships and how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. She is currently associated with Marriage.com. She is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt its principles in their relationships. By taking purposeful and intentional action, Sylvia feels any relationship or marriage can be transformed and truly enjoyed.
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