Wondering if you’re a “good enough” parent or how you may improve as a parent is a natural human emotion. It’s safe to assume that prior to becoming a parent, you’ve never carried the weighty responsibility for another person’s future that you now do.
Because of the ease with which information can be shared (and compared), today’s parents may be the first to doubt their abilities as caregivers. The modern parenthood scene can give the impression of a “better parent” contest.
How can a parent tell if they provide optimal care for their infant, child, or teenager? How can you improve your parenting skills?
Here’s how you know if you’re a good parent:
1. Discipline kids with love.
You know that the words you use and your tone of voice are crucial when it comes to effectively disciplining your children. You don’t use harsh or hurtful language while correcting your kids; you use constructive and loving words.
You are a good parent because you provide compassion and discipline even when your child acts inappropriately.
2. You don’t force your interests on your kids.
Kids need to do activities that interest them, which are different from what you want them to do. It’s fantastic if a dad who played the game gets his kid interested in it. Your kid might have a passion for dancing or music, though.
Recognize your kids’ strengths and encourage them to pursue their own aspirations rather than yours. Good parents foster their children’s growth and urge them to become healthy, fulfilled individuals.
3. Listening and giving attention to what your kids tell you.
This is a common scenario in which a teacher informs a parent that their child has misbehaved at school. Rather than seeking information, an angry parent returns home and causes controversy.
Instead of getting angry and yelling at the kid, finding out what they think happened is preferable. It may not be your kid’s fault; they need your support to work through it. Be calm and listen to what they have to say.
4. Your family values the privacy of each member.
There is a common belief among parents that their children should always knock before entering a room. However, the parents themselves don’t always abide by this rule. Everyone in the household must adhere to the same set of rules.
If you give your kids some personal space, they’ll do the same for you.
5. You know how to forgive yourself.
Every parent has done something they wish they could take back. If you’re feeling guilty about something you said or did, it’s important to take stock of the situation, determine what went wrong, forgive yourself, make amends, and move on.
As a parent, you know that the existing moment is crucial for your child, so you try not to focus on the past.
6. You recognize your shortcomings and offer an apology.
Children and adults alike are susceptible to error. But most parents overlook the need to model an apology for their children. Do not be reluctant to apologize to your child if you later discover that you reacted inappropriately.
It takes strength to recognize one’s own weaknesses.
7. Make time for your own happiness and wellness.
Working as a parent is demanding. It would be best to have time alone to regroup, and you deserve it. You work out, make an effort to eat well, and set aside time for yourself. This is because you want to be the most present, caring parent you can be for your kids.
8. You show respect for your child’s co-parent.
When everyone caring for your kids is on the same page, you know they’re doing well. Your children are your top priority, so whether or not you share a household with their other parent, you work together to ensure everyone is on the same page and finds common ground when necessary.
9. You look for support.
It’s not easy being a parent, and lots of households struggle to keep everything in order. You are a parent, so you know how important it is to have help. You know how important it is to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.
This is someone who can watch your child in the event of an emergency or when you simply need some time to yourself.
10. You never put down your kid.
No loving parent ever uses words like “lazy,” “fat,” or “stupid” in reference to their child. Children’s insecurity is permanently damaged by hearing these remarks. Use caution in your word choice and be specific about what they did wrong, but avoid calling them names.
11. Celebrating your achievements.
Being a parent is a full-time job, and it’s important for parents to stop and appreciate all they’ve accomplished.
You know you’ve done a good job as a parent when your child accomplishes something new, like mastering potty training, or when you see an extraordinary moment, like watching your child be a genuine friend to a playmate.
12. You don’t place the utmost importance on academic performance.
Your child should feel comfortable telling you if they receive a failing grade in school. Children who are worried about what their parents will think of them typically try to hide their academic performance. Good parents can tell their children that academic success is paramount, but knowledge, not grades, determines future success.
13. Your kid confides in you about their troubles.
It’s wonderful when your son or daughter brags to you about their accomplishments. However, the ability to confide in you regarding those issues is of far greater importance. It’s normal to want to vent to a friend or loved one about what’s bothering you.
By doing so we hope that people will back us up and take notice. Children need to know that life is unpredictable and that making errors is okay sometimes.
Conclusion
We are all doing our best, but we are not “perfect” parents. Even the best parents make mistakes sometimes. With help, you may find out what other parents have tried and what has worked, and you can let off steam in a safe environment away from your child.
No parent is perfect, but if you are doing a couple of the things on this list above, you are already doing a fantastic job.