Top 3 Ways To Be A Great Parent

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Are you a great parent?  That’s an interesting question to ask someone, because everyone has a different parenting style.

For example, rather than imposing strict rules and preaching dos and don’ts, positive parenting focuses on guiding and coaching a child in making good choices.  Attachment parenting, on the other hand, aims to strengthen the intuitive, psychological and emotional bond between the caregiver and the child.  My goal as a young mom was to follow the attachment parenting model, but certain things didn’t work for my family like co-sleeping.  My kids didn’t like it and preferred to be in their crib.

A more traditional form of parenting called authoritative parenting is the #1 recommended parenting style by most experts today.  Authoritative parenting is characterized when a parent has a strong behavioral control over a child, along with a strong responsiveness and warmth toward them.

Other types of popular parenting styles include love and logic, the nurtured heart approach, the strong-willed child and more.  However, no matter what type of parenting style you prefer, every little thing you do as a parent matters.  The ultimate goal is to inspire your kids to do great!

Top 3 Ways To Be A Great Parent

Spend quality time with your child.

I know this sounds simplified, but it really is true.  Investing in quality time with your child, especially when you let your child lead the activity, can result in your child generally feeling less stressed and more confident, secure and cooperative.  In fact, I’ve noticed that when I spend 10 minutes a day of uninterrupted time with each of my children, it helps to minimize sibling rivalry too.

Know Your Child’s Personality

I have two very different children.  Field Trip Boy is my little negotiator.  His dad and I have always said that one day he is going to be a lawyer, because he likes to negotiate everything.  From his bedtime, to the color of his walls in his room, to even the type of toothpaste that he uses, he prefers to have choices.  And if I don’t provide him with at least a few options, he gets upset.  So since I already know this about him, I try hard to accommodate his need to be heard.

Over time, I have learned that the essence of being a great parent is to know your child’s temperament and tailor your parenting style to take that into account.

Have Family Meals Together

Family meals provide an opportunity for family members to spend quality time together and discuss important family matters.  For many, mealtime is the only time they have during the day to sit and reconnect.  Eating meals together creates community and strengthens family bonds as everyone shares stories about how their day went and so on.  In my household, we strive to have family meals together at least three times a week despite our busy schedules.

How Does Your Child View You?

Recently, I asked Field Trip Girl what she thought I did as a “parent” and this was her response:

• “You help take care of me.”
• “You fold the laundry.”
• “You help me clean my room.”
• “You buy new decorations for the house.”
• “You help me with my homework.”
• And most importantly…”You help me find TV channels!”

All of these are true.  But what I am really trying to teach her through my actions is how to be a great person!

Best selling author Steve Marabolis once said “those who have the ability to be grateful are the ones who have the ability to achieve greatness.”  I agree.  I want my children to know that greatness is not only about winning an award, getting the highest grade in class or being the best at something.  Rather true greatness comes from a place of humility and kindness towards others.

So have you ever wondered how your child views you?  See what these parents discovered when their kids were asked.  It might just surprise you!

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Just remember every little thing you do as a parent matters!

You are great!

Jilleen