Parenting is arguably one of the most difficult jobs on the planet. Think about it, you’re responsible not just for keeping a child (or, more often, children) healthy and well, but for raising them to be good, productive members of society.
You know, no pressure.
Worst of all, there are obviously no instructions that come with your child! It’s up to you to figure out what works and what doesn’t, doing your best to be the best parental figure you can be.
But, if you want to step up your game, there are ways to take you amazing parenting skills from good to wise. Wise parenting doesn’t just encourage your kids, it helps them grow into independent people and free thinkers!
Here are 10 rules that wise parents will always follow:
1. Appearance Isn’t Everything
Some parents put a little too much emphasis on what their child looks like on the outside.
Keeping your child clean and neat on the outside takes too much effort and time, when kids are just going to be kids at the end of the day – meaning they’re going to get messy. Wise parents consider it useless to the child’s personal growth and development to always keep clean clothes on.
2. Little Things Start Hard
We’re not born knowing how to put on your pants or brush our teeth! At first, these daily little things are going to be challenging for children.
In order to become independent, these endeavors must be acknowledged and cherished. Support and encourage your kid whenever they start something new and if it doesn’t work out say, “All beginnings are difficult.”
3. Let Them Get Their Energy Out
Rather than running around and telling kids, “Don’t climb that!“ ”Don’t touch this!” or “Calm down!”, wise parents know to let their kid get any energy out. Obviously, you have to make sure they’re not doing anything that will put them in harm’s way, but letting them safely get out their energy is a smart move.
4. Give Them Trust
You’ve taught your child how to do a chore around the house, but the next step is allowing them to do that chore entirely on their own. If they’re trusted to do the task without your unwavering supervision, they’ll feel like they’re doing a good job.
This will not only boost their overall confidence, but it will encourage them to do these chores in the future.
5. Don’t Let Disrespect Slide
While there might be some things parents can let go or justify with a brief talking-to, there are lines that children cannot be allowed to cross. The number one line? Disrespecting their family.
Being allowed to say things like, “You’re stupid!” to your mother, father, or sibling will give the child the sense that it’s okay to be disrespectful in day-to-day life. Make sure to counter this disrespect with fair punishment (perhaps sitting in their room to think about what they’ve said) and talk to them later about why that wasn’t okay.
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