Parenting can be a very demanding responsibility, but it is also very fulfilling. There are various strategies that one can leverage to ensure more effective parenting.
People looking to be effective parents should prioritize their children's self-esteem. Children develop a sense of self in infancy by seeing themselves through their parents' eyes, so parents need to take steps to boost their kids' self-esteem through their tone of voice, body language, and more. As children grow older, allow them to do certain things independently and shower them with compliments for every slight accomplishment. Choose words carefully when reprimanding them, as hurtful words can make them feel less of themselves.
Incorporating some discipline is another effective parenting strategy. Discipline helps kids learn good behaviors and give up negative ones. Discipline also helps kids cultivate self-control. Parents need to set limits and rules for their kids. These can include no TV before completing homework or no use of certain derogatory words, particularly to fellow children.
It is also essential for parents to be good role models for their children. This is one of the most effective parenting strategies. Children learn most things by simply watching their parents, so before acting in a certain way in front of their kids, parents need to be conscious of the message they are sending with their actions. It is vital to model essential traits like respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, and tolerance.