Every couple desires that their child becomes a successful human being. They all want to become great parents and role models for their children. But how many of them are successful? Often it is seen that the kids do not share their lives with the parents at all. The key to raising a bright and happy child is good parenting. The approach, behaviour and attitude the parents have towards their children hugely affect the child’s personality.
Though there is no fixed procedure for effective parenting, here are some parenting principles that can act as a guide:
1. Give your child your time
Today’s society is fast paced and people have busy lives. They hardly get time for spending some quality time with their families. The worst sufferer in such a case is the child. As parents, you must be there with the child when he/she needs you, at school meetings, before exams, or just to listen what happened at the child’s school today. Showering the child with expensive presents or going out on a vacation once a year is not that important as having dinner with your child each day.
2. Your parenting should suit the child’s age
As the child grows, you must grow with him. You cannot instruct a 4- year old to handle all his homework on his own; neither can you order your teenage child to not go out with his/ her friends. As much as you want your child to not grow up, time does fly and you have to realize this. Always keep your parenting in pace with your child’s development.
3. Set ground rules
Each family has their own personal set of norms that a child must follow as well. The child must be taught to be responsible for his actions. Set some basic rules that the child must follow, to make him more responsible and able to manage time and money well. For example, the child must always tell you where he/she is going, with whom and by what time will he/she be back home.
4. Treat them with care and love, but don’t overdo it
As a parent, your main role is to provide your child with the tender love and care needed. The child must never feel lonely. The parents are the sole support system of the child and you must always be conscious of this fact. But, do not spoil your child with leniency, excess of gifts and sugar-coated words. The expressions of affection must be genuine.
5. Make your child independent
Do not make your child a spoiled brat. It is important that you help them whenever required, but they must know how to manage and conduct themselves on their own as well. Inculcate the values like responsibility and self-discipline in your child, and make him aware of his actions, decisions and their consequences. The child should be trained to take wise decisions at an early age.
6. Give respect, get respect
Treat your child the same way as you expect your child to behave with you. Treat the child with politeness, etiquettes and courtesy. Children are like wet clay. The behaviour they receive from you will be reciprocated equally. So, it is important that you listen to the child and respect his opinions as well.
7. Be a role model
Adults are children’s role models. If the child sees the parents or grandparents involved in corruption, speaking harshly with each other, or always engaged in conflicts, it will mar their morale. They look up to you and hence it is important that you conduct yourself in the best possible manner, at least in front of them if not always. The parents must be ethical, respectful, polite and knowledgeable for the child to become the same.