Successful parents are not perfect parents. It is important to know that in parenting, certain mistakes are inevitable. It is unrealistic to expect to be right all of the time. Successful parents, however, are those who frequently consider what is best for their children and are willing to adapt themselves toward positive outcomes.
Many parents consider their efforts to be in the best interest of their children, but from time to time, careful reflection may show areas that need improvement. Successful parenting requires regular self-evaluation in areas that are important to the children. All parents have ideals and personal beliefs about what is most important for their children. Unless they are written down, however, some of these most important values may be overlooked as parents evaluate relationships with their children.
Traits of Successful Parents
1. Every child has good qualities - Identify them:Make a conscious effort to identify and compliment your children for their good qualities. Sometimes it is necessary to take a pause from the rush of life and enjoy the wonderful qualities that your children possess. Don’t think for a moment that a mental note is enough. Point out your children’s good qualities and let them build upon them.
2. Remove time for your child: Life has a way of consuming all of your time. It is easy to become “too busy” to do anything with your kids. If you can’t find the time, make the time. No matter how busy you are, or how tired you may be; there is no reason to deny your children of 30 minutes of your daily time. Give your kids thirty minutes every day for whatever they wish to do.
3.Communicate positively with your children. Talk to your kids in a positive way. Talk to them in a friendly manner about whatever subject they wish to discuss. Avoid falling into the trap of speaking to your kids only when you need to discipline them. Kids get your attention most easily when they are getting into trouble, but don’t make this the only time you talk to them because your speech will be less than pleasant. Give your children the benefit of positive communication and they will be more likely to talk to you in good times and bad.
4. Involve children in household activities and family trips: Don’t allow children to become isolated in some remote corner of the house. It is important to allow your children a reasonable amount of privacy, but don’t encourage them to become reclusive in their rooms.
In addition to household activities, plan fun events outside of the house in which the kids can be involved. Plan simple, but exciting activities that everyone can enjoy. Also plan vacations and trips together when possible. Allow your children to contribute their ideas for your times together. Make a habit of giving the children something to look forward to with the family.
5. Lend a patient ear to your children: Be aware of the way you listen to your children—especially when you are busy. Take care to assure your children that you think that what they say is important. Be sure to look at them when they are talking to you. This may take a little extra effort, but it will make you give them the attention they deserve, and your children will see that you believe that what they say is important.
6. Don't expect your child to change - Be a part of the change yourself: Part of being a successful parent is knowing when to change something about yourself. Don’t allow your determination to be a good parent prevent you from being one. Everyone wants to be a perfect parent, but there truly is no such thing. Parents do make mistakes from time to time. There is nothing wrong with making mistakes as a parent, as long as you can admit it to yourself and make changes for the better.
7. Safety comes first: Caring for the safety of your children may seem to be so obvious that it does not need mention. It is amazing how many parents fail to care for even basic elements of their children’s safety. From parents who call upon their young children to cross a busy street after school while they sit in their cars, to others who let their children roam the streets without any knowledge of where they are, it can be disturbing to see how some parents deprive their children of basic safety. Never gamble on the safety of your children.
8. Avoid Arguments in front of your children: In heated moments, this may seem difficult to avoid; but there is nothing that can be gained from arguing in front of your children. When something becomes a big enough issue that an argument is unavoidable, be aware that the children are watching and find a way to bottle it up and discuss it in private. There is nothing wrong with your children knowing that you have disagreements with your spouse (or partner), but unless you want your children to be a part of the argument, it is best to take care of the disagreement privately. Don’t put children in a position where they will take sides or hear utterances that will be apologized for later. Whatever it takes keep your children out of your arguments.
9. Express your love to your children: Never refrain from telling your children you love them. Ignore any thoughts in your head that tell you not to do so. It is difficult to tell your children you love them too much, but it is easy to tell them too little. Don’t let such a simple thing be a cause of regret. Tell your children you love them.
10. There is no magic formula on becoming a sucessful parent: Being a successful parent is all about doing what is right for your children. These points apply to almost all parents, but there are many additional items that are not mentioned here that also contribute to being a successful parent. There are so many aspects involved in being a good parent that it is difficult to keep track of them all in your mind. It is helpful to have a written list of all of the aspects of parenting that you feel are important. An occasional self-evaluation with this list can be helpful in identifying areas that may need improvement.
The above mentioned traits apply to almost all parents in general. You may also wish to make a list of qualities that are specifically important to you. Reflecting on these lists from time to time can help you to be a successful parent.
There is no responsibility greater than that of being a parent. Successful parenting requires more than providing for the physical needs of one’s children—it means being committed to their developmental well-being and overall success.
A goal of this magnitude requires parents to give of themselves everyday. Successful parents are those who lift their children to heights they may never attain themselves.
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