PARENTING

Good parenting happens when a person creates for a child a stable, nurturing home environment, is a positive role model, and plays a positive and active part in a child’s life.  Good parents provide moral and spiritual guidance, set limits, and provide consequences for a child’s behavior.  Good parents accept responsibility for the total development of the child and guide the child in making sound, healthy, life decisions through open communication and mutual respect.
 

How to Improve Parenting Skills

Your role as a parent is one of the most important jobs you will ever have. You are responsible for taking care of your children and making sure they have the tools they need to grow into successful and adjusted adults. Even the best parents have room for improvement. If you decide you want to make some changes to improve your parenting style, there are many ways to make yourself a better parent. Improve parenting skills by developing a consistent method of parenting, finding support wherever you can and seeking out resources that will help.

1. Talk to your spouse or partner. If you are raising your kids with your husband, wife, or other committed partner, get on the same page.

• Discuss your desire to improve parenting skills with people close to you, if you are a single parent. They can offer you support if they know what your goals are.

2.  Spend quality time with your children. Your children need your full attention on a regular basis. 

 

3.  Plan activities that do not include cell phones, laptops, tablet computers or other electronic or   technological devices. This should be a rule when you spend time together.

• Share affection with your kids. Physical contact such as hugs, kisses and cuddles will make your children feel more secure, loved and connected to you.

4. Access all the parenting resources you can. There are many experts and a lot of information on tools you can use to improve parenting skills.

• Take a parenting class. Schools, community centers, libraries in many communities offer classes on parenting. You can also check for parenting classes online.
• Read books, magazines and websites about parenting. You can subscribe to magazines such as Parents or Parenting for monthly parenting tips, or sign up for an e-newsletter from your favorite parenting website. Browse the child development section of your local bookstore for resources.
• Join parenting communities. Groups of parents often get together in church, or through groups such as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at schools. Online communities at sites such as iVillage and BabyCenter allow parents to interact with each other digitally.