To say that parents need to be good at multitasking is an understatement. You constantly need to juggle life's obligations and the needs of your children. As a parent, seek balance and support when you need help getting it all done, and be kind to yourself when something slips through the cracks.
When you need to discipline make sure it's necessary.
Reflect on your own childhood frequently. Identify mistakes your parents made, and make an effort to avoid passing them on to the next several generations. Every generation of parents/children gets to make a whole set of new successes and/or mistakes.
Be honest with your child/children. Don't try to hide anything because they will find out sooner or later.
Don't think you know your child inside out, if they tell you they no longer like something, trust them.
Be accepting and supporting of your child, not doing so may cause them to push you away and maybe even lead into bad habits like alcohol/drug abuse.
Do not share your own past misbehavior with your children because they will compare themselves to you and thus, expect less from themselves.
Try not to smoke in front of your children, as they may end up imitating your behavior, which is especially problematic if they are underage.
If you are angry at your child, calm yourself down, and calm your child too.
Take your child to beautiful places and enjoy the sightseeing.
Warningsof being a good parent
While praising kids, focus on effort and not end results to avoid raising praise-junkies.
Do not strictly follow the parental behavioral stereotypes of your culture, race, ethnic group, family, or other defining factor. Please do not believe that there is only one way to raise a child.
Never over-indulge a child. It can lead to stubborn and irresponsible behavior.
Do not be afraid to be a parent. Do your best, be their friend, but never let them forget you are their parent, not a collaborator.
Parenting does not stop when a child grows up. Being a good parent remains a life-long role. But remember that once they become adults, the decisions they make in life are ultimately theirs with their consequences.
