Wednesday, September 23, 2009

On Being A Good Parent

By Jayde Johannsen

Being a parent is a tremendous affair. It's supposed to be the best experience in a person's life. It really is a life changing event. And yet, as with all new things in life, it can be incredibly challenging. Taking in a new life and caring for it is not an easy task. It requires hard work and dedication.

No one is absolutely perfect. The most experienced parent commits errors. They get upset, they lose their tempers and say unkind things they don't really mean. It's a perfectly human thing to do. We have to accept that we aren't perfect beings.

Everyone gets overwhelmed once in a while. We are only human after all. We can't do it all. The burdens of every day life take their toll and we get tired. But that doesn't mean that you're a bad parent. Being a good parent means you have to take care of yourself too. If you as a mother or father aren't happy, no one is. Take the type to get your life organized and don't be afraid to ask for help.

If you do feel like it's all getting a little too much, take a time out. Go out with your friends, enjoy a night out on the town and have someone else look after your children for a day. Don't be afraid to ask for a little time for yourself every now and then. It's good to nourish your own body and soul.

When it comes to being a good parent, there are no ground rules. There really is no perfect parent, no perfect child. All you need is a little love to help your children grow up happy, healthy and wise. Every parent has love to give their child.

Tell your child that you love him or her. Show them affection. It's an incredibly crucial part of any relationship. Babies who haven't received any affection can actually die. Take some time out each day to make sure your kid knows you love them.

Give your kids a chance to express themselves. Listen to them. The simple act of listening can be very powerful. It makes your children feel valued and important.

Make sure your child feels secure in their home. If they're scared, comfort them. Give them reassurances. Having a safe home is important to the wellbeing of any child.

Instill within your children a sense of regulation. Children need order in their lives and it's up to you, as the parent to teach it to them. Make a schedule-have regular meal times, nap times and bed times. Try not to waver too much. Set an example yourself.

Praise often. Don't forget this simple, but important aspect of parenting. A child should be praised for his/her good work. This helps to bolster their self esteem and instills within them a sense of accomplishment.

Don't disparage your child. When disciplining them, make sure they know that it's not they that are bad, but what they've done. Explain to them why they were in the wrong.

Maintain a sense of consistency. Establish your ground rules and stick to them.

Spend time with your child. This above all is most important. Your child needs you. Be there for him/her.

If you need help don't be afraid to ask for it.

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