Parenting is probably one of the most fulfilling aspects of a person’s life, yet it can be quite challenging, to say the least. Unfortunately, there is no all-in-one handbook that parents can use as an effective guide. Plus, each child is different so what may work for one child may not work for another and that makes parenting even more of a challenge. Here are 7 general tips you can utilize with all of your children.

1. Be consistent and concise. Consistency is important when disciplining your children so when your child misbehaves and you give a warning, follow through with it if he/she continues to act out. Also, give a concise reason as to why your child is being disciplined. Kids will tune you out if your explanation is too long.
2. Focus on good behavior too. Sometimes children act out in order to get attention from their parents, even if it’s negative attention, so point out to your children when they engage in good behavior also. For example, if your children are sitting quietly at a restaurant, praise them for behaving well and make sure your praise is specific to their actions.
3. Spend quality time with your kids. Engaging in activities with your kids can strengthen your relationship by providing a safe space in which your children feel comfortable speaking to you about any issue, serious or otherwise. It also gives you and your family opportunities to bond and have fun together.
4. Show your children love and affection. Expressing your love and being affectionate with your kids gives them a sense of feeling loved, safe and secure.
5. Be patient. Don’t allow your emotions to get the best of you when you discipline your child. Children are people too and just like adults, they can become quite moody. With regards to younger kids, who don’t have the ability to articulate how they are feeling, acting out may be the only way they know how to express themselves. When you find yourself losing patience, pause and take a deep breath before reacting. Ask yourself why your child may be misbehaving and then go from there.
6. Make sure you as parents are on the same page. Your parenting styles may not be exactly the same, but it’s important to establish some sort of consistency. Children are much smarter than we give them credit for and may try to manipulate one parent over the other, so check in with each other and ensure you provide similar disciplinary styles for your kids.
7. Stop being hard on yourself. You are not perfect, and guess what? That’s okay. You will make mistakes as a parent- everyone does- so learn from them, let go of any feelings of guilt and then move forward.

Being a parent is like no other experience and, even though it can be quite difficult at times, the rollercoaster of parenting is worth all the ups, downs, twists and turns that it offers. Did you know we provide parent education services? Give us a call at (954) 832-3602 if you’d like to sharpen your parenting skills. We are located in Hollywood, FL.

Alicia Emamdee is the author of the YA Romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which is created specifically for teen girls and the challenges they face with regards to their self-esteem in our society today. Written as a love story, the book provides ways to help increase self-esteem and gain self-confidence.