What Am I Doing? 3 Tips for How to Parent More Effectively

Andrew Chris Author

You're doing the best you can, but sometimes winging it just isn't an option anymore. Here are 3 ways to get more effective in your parenting!

          Did you know that 100% of parents are going to screw up? Yep, you read that right. Unfortunately, every one of us will make some mistakes along the way.

          We’re not just going to make mistakes; we’re going to do some awesome things along the way. But unfortunately, it’s easy to get stuck on our fear of failing as a parent and overlook the good things we bring to the table.

          The other thing is that just because we will all make mistakes as a parent doesn’t mean that there aren’t things we can do to try and be more effective in our parenting. So if you’re looking to help fight the fear of failing and do even more as a parent, here are three things you can start doing today!

Tip #1: Make Building the Relationship the Priority

          Ever find yourself getting stuck in the discipline trap? The one where it seems like all you are doing, again and again, is disciplining and calling out misbehavior? Have you ever thought that this trap might mean your relationship with that child needs some work?

          Parents who use the relationship as their true source of power are more in-tune with their child and their needs. When the relationship is the top priority, your child will feel closer to you and less discouraged. A child not discouraged is much easier to be around!

          Everything you do as a parent impacts the relationship. It doesn’t matter if you’re disciplining, listening, going to their sporting events, or staying at work for long hours; all of it impacts the relationship. The question is: how will you use the relationship to your and your child’s advantage?

          If you genuinely want to access the power of the relationship in your parenting, read the book Creating a Lasting Connection With Your Child; it just might be the boost you’re looking for!

Tip #2: Discipline to Build Your Child Up

          I don’t know about you, but discipline is hard! There are so many schools of thought on discipline that it can be hard to know what to choose. This is definitely one of those areas where you will make a mistake as a parent. In fact, something tells me you can probably think of a few examples right off the top of your head.

          Discipline is a powerful way to teach your child the skills and tools they will need to successfully navigate their world as a child and in the future. The thing is, it can be hard to know how to do this when your child does something that is driving you crazy and you want it to stop.

          You don’t have to tear your child down to build them back up. In fact, the more you tear your child down, the more discouraged they will be. A discouraged child is not an easy child to be around!

          Your parenting will be more effective when you discipline in ways that build your child up rather than tear them down. You can use proactive ways to set limits, use natural or logical consequences, or use the situation as a teaching experience. If you want to know how an Empowered Parent does this, make sure to get your copy of Creating a Lasting Connection With Your Child.

Tip #3: Keep Your Expectations in Check

          The fear of failing as a parent can create a paradox for us as parents: we might end up trying to overcome the fear of failing by taking on too much, which leads to the exact problems we wanted to avoid in the first place.

          If you were to list the expectations you put on yourself as a parent right now, would that list be realistic? Would it be filled with only things that make sense and are doable? Or, would some things not fit or are unobtainable?

          The more unrealistic your expectations are for yourself, the more likely you are to feel like you are an ineffective parent. Taking on too much will only weigh you down.

          However, if you flip that around and parent from a foundation of realistic expectations, you’ll change the pattern completely. You’ll own the things that are yours to own and let your child be responsible for what they need to be. You can set boundaries, recognize your limitations, and parent from your strengths.

          If you’re unsure what to do with your expectations, let me help you out. I’m sure you’re not going to be surprised to hear that the book Creating a Lasting Connection With Your Child has a section with powerful tools that are all about helping you maintain realistic expectations for yourself. Time to get reading!

          Did you know that if 100% of parents make mistakes as parents, then 100% of parents can do something about it? So one of the first things you can do is start trying out these tips to see if they bring any change to your parenting and the feel of your home. One more thing you can do is click here to get your copy of Creating a Lasting Connection With Your Child and embrace the Empowered Parenting method today!

Categories: Empowered Parenting