As a parent, it can be a struggle to be a “cool” mom or dad without losing your disciplinary role over your children. A survey discovered that about a quarter of children below 18 live in one-parent households. This makes it even more tricky to draw the line between being involved in your child’s life without being overbearing. Are you confused about how to strike a healthy balance in this regard? Here are some helpful tips.
- Show interest in things your children like
When you take an interest in the activities your children enjoy, they feel more comfortable confiding in you when faced with challenging situations since it helps strengthen the bond you share. Watch their favourite shows with them, or flip through their preferred style magazine to pick fashion ideas. Encourage them to use their talents and praise them. This boosts their confidence in themselves and creates a special bond in which they can trust you.
- Think ahead
Being a parent means being able to think ahead. Although you want to support your child and wish the best for them, how would it benefit them if you are always helping them? By thinking ahead, you can analyze how your actions now may affect them in their future. Give them space to make their own mistakes and learn from them or allow them to make some decisions independently. For example, instead of placing a lot more focus on your children making straight A’s, concentrate on helping them with their homework throughout the school term. By setting up a comfortable study system, you have already thought ahead on inculcating the habit of constant learning in them.
- Attempt being generous with boundaries
The more you hover over your child and intrude on their personal space, the more likely they are to hide things from you. Children who feel overly guarded tend to find solace in holding on to the tiniest bit of privacy and inadvertently shut you out as they grow. It is good to set some boundaries for them to gain privacy. Avoid snooping around their personal belongings; instead, adopt a trusting attitude to generate respect for them and you. Do you perhaps have some spare time due to an injury? Use your time to gain expert and focused representation for your case, then give your children the space and privacy they require.
- Relax with the rules
Rules are good and should be enforced, but do not be too hard on your kids when they go wrong. Kids would always leave a mess, especially after playtime. Rather than harshly reprimanding them, teach them the right way to clean up their mess. Once in a while, set out little punishments for disobedience towards teaching them about the consequences but again, try not to be too harsh.
It does not take a long time for your clingy little toddler to become a teenager who likes to keep their bedroom door shut. It helps to maintain a level head while balancing the disciplinary role and the easy-going attitude. Make the most of your time as a dad or mom and build a lasting relationship with your children.