7 Steps to More Effective Parenting

Are you a Millennial Parent trying to cope with different parenting styles, dealing with new terms and techniques everyday? 

We get torn between traditional parenting and the new age parenting as we unlearn to learn new things, everyday. We want to do it all right and provide the best for our kid and at the end of the day we are exhausted being the Perfect Parent!

Here are the 7 Simple things which will make your Parenting more effective:

I was sailing in the same boat until I figured out how important the basics are. As it is said, “Keep it Simple but Significant“

1. Make Communication a Priority

Communication is key in any relationship so why not in Parenting. The more transparent you are with your child, the closer the child is.
Trust me, you will be the first confidant of your child and you wouldn’t have to play detective.

2. Be Flexible and Willing to Adjust Your Parenting Style

Being a new age parent, I understand it is difficult to come out the shell of Traditional Parenting and embrace the New Parenting Styles. Especially when there are so many and each one more confusing and complicated than other. 
Best will be to mix and match the different parenting styles and find your own that works for you and your family. The key ingredient is to treat your child as a Human Being than a Child.

3. Catch Kids Being Good 

This one works like a charm, and you wouldn’t have to play Good Cop – Bad Cop. Praise your child when he/she does a good deed – putting the thrash in dustbin, being kind to others, appreciating little things, cleaning their room or picking up their toys without asking them to do it 10000 times.
We tend to focus on making sure that they don’t pick up bad habits and, in the process, we miss to appreciate them for their good habits.

4. Make Time for Your Kids

Some may say that I spend the entire day with my kid or I be with my kid the entire time after finishing work. Remember – It is not about quantity but about the quality of time you spend with them.
Do an activity together, watch their favorite show together, read stories with them. Keep your gadget away and talk to them. Be Present!

5. Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem

We, parents, think that failure hurt a child’s self -esteem. No, it is how we react to their failure. Failure is a part of life and we need to model (not teach) it to our kids.
Encouraging child to try again, not being over-involved, letting them take healthy risks helps them build confidence and boosts their self-esteem.
We need to engrain a ‘Can-Do’ mindset in them than the fear of failure.

6. Be a Good Role Model

Remember – your child is watching you, Always! Instead of teaching them the habits you want them to have, model them. They will pick up more quickly – does your child not insist on wearing a mask, every time he is ready to go out?
This generation is smart and they believe in watch and learn than text book teaching.

7. Know Your Own Needs and Limitations as a Parent

Do you know Mom Burnout is a real thing? We are so driven to be a Perfect Parent that we forget to take care of ourselves. Over a period of time, it becomes overwhelming, and it all affects our parenting and our family.
Keep yourself recharged by taking small breaks from parenting and nurturing the person you are. You can radiate peace and happiness when you are happy from inside.

Know that saying? – “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”  It is True!

Keep it Simple and focus on what matters. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed.