In case you were under the illusion that parenting is – how do we say it – a doddle, we have some news for you… it is not. It is the most amazing adventure you can ever go on, one that starts off with you strapping yourself in, clinging onto their baby grows and hanging on for dear life and never stops. It really is the wildest, most amazing, most exhilarating and most rewarding journey your mind can possibly fathom. What makes it tricky is understanding your responsibilities.
To help you out a little, being a fantastic parent is all about raising kids that are happy and healthy. That is all anyone can ask. That is the only real guideline there is. How you do that is the delicate balancing act we all wish we had the answer to.
However, while no one does, we have come up with a good list that will do more good than it will harm.
Set Limits
You may not believe it, but kids crave limits. It is the one thing that helps them understand the confusing world in which they have entered. By setting boundaries for your children, you can then be confident they will explore their curiosities and find their passions in the safest way possible.
Let Them Fly
The best thing for a child’s self-esteem is having responsibility. This is because their goal in life is to have the same independence we all craved as kids. So as soon as they are capable of certain tasks, assign them those tasks to them. Encourage them to tidy their room, put their plate away, or get dressed. By doing this, your sanity will blossom too.
Protect Them
Trying to fix their battles on their behalf is bad. You want them to find solutions on their own. That is how we grow and succeed. However, protecting them is different. Make sure that you have medical insurance, internet security, and a safe place for them to live and play. These are all ways you can protect your child so that they can build their resilience without the risks attached.
Play Without Rules
Your kid has an imagination that life took away from you. That may sound like a sad statement, but it is true. What a child does is create games that have mold-breaking rules. You do not need to correct them or understand them, you just need to go with the flow and have fun. That is all.
Read Together
From the earliest age possible, when they are babies unable to control their arms and legs, read to them. The reason being they adore your voice more than any other sound in the world. It is a bonding exercise that never dampens. Cuddling up together to go on an adventure. In addition, as they grow, so will their love of books, a love that will never disappear.
Role Model
The most important thing you can be to your child is the role model they deserve. They learn everything from watching you. So be the person you want them to see and be. By being the respectful, loving, appropriate and caring parent, you will have far more success than just telling them how to be.
