The 6 Really Important Qualities of Good Parents
What are the common qualities of good parents? We’ll outline the top six and then give you tips and advice to help. You may be surprised at how simple it is. You are probably doing some of these already.
Have you ever wished kids came with their own personalized set of instructions? Yup! Me Too!
I often felt as if I was winging it as I tried to find my way through each new parenting challenge.
“What if I’m doing it all wrong?” I worried. “By the time I know for sure, it will be too late.”
The lack of sleep that accompanies the chaos of a new baby can tend to make a person overly dramatic! But the fear was real.
I am now on the other side of parenting with three adult children. Years of epic parenting fails, moments of joy and wrangling screaming toddlers into a snowsuit taught me a lot.
My idea of what made a good parent evolved as I learned and made mistakes.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A “GOOD” PARENT ANYHOW?
Let me say this straight, there is not one “right” way to be a good parent. Every child is different, so your parenting style needs to change in response.
Still, I have come to recognize that there are specific qualities that all good parents share in common.
First, I want to reassure you. None of these things require you to be Pinterest perfect. Neither am I going to give you a long list of things you should or should not be doing.
They are six simple principles and you are probably already doing at least some of them.
6 QUALITIES OF GOOD PARENTS
So, let’s take a closer look. These 6 qualities make a big difference in families. They are also simple enough that you can actually put them into practice.
1. GOOD PARENTS USE POSITIVE DISCIPLINE
First, good parents understand the value of positive discipline. Let’s face it, trying to find a discipline approach that works is a huge challenge.
At first, I tended to swing between being too authoritarian and too permissive in my approach.
I would worry that I was being to harsh and then get concerned that I wasn’t being strict enough.
Then I discovered Barbara Coloroso and her book, Kid’s Are Worth It:Giving Your Child The Gift of Inner Discipline. This book changed how I thought about discipline.
Barbara Coloroso was the first advocates of positive parenting that I encountered. Her approach to parenting made so much sense.
I did worry that discipline without punishment wouldn’t work. But I quickly discovered that a positive approach to discipline strengthened connection. And that’s the key to fewer behavior problems.
I drew upon my own experiences as a child to learn how to discipline my children without
I have noticed that one of the main qualities of good parents is their ability to use to positive words every day.
Not sure how to do that? Not to worry I’ve gathered together 70 Affirming Things to Say To your Kids.
You don’t have to use them all at once, but you’ll never run out of ideas!
Looking For More Positive Parenting Ideas?
My free mini-book has 3 positive parenting techniques that every parent should know. It is a quick read, but the simple techniques will help you build strong connections. Download the FREE mini book today.
2. GOOD PARENTS KEEP PARENTING SIMPLE
There is so much parenting advice available to parents these days. Here’s the thing. One of the most important qualities of good parents is that they don’t worry about what so-called experts say you should and shouldn’t do.
Don’t worry about what other parents or so-called experts say you should and shouldn’t do. YOU know your child BETTER than anyone. Trust your instincts and do what is best for you and your children.
- Find simple and effective ways to connect with your children every day.
- Take action to slow down and enjoy what is really important.
- Learn the power of this simple hack to get you through the busy days.
Baffled by all that contradictory parenting advice out there? Cut through it all and simply choose relationship.
Want to learn more? Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids is a fantastic read.
3. THEY UNPLUG OFTEN
Given the alarming findings of recent studies looking at the impact of screen time on our brains, unplugging could be one of the most important things your family does this year.
This little device can be a life saver. It helps you regulate screen time for every member of the family. By the way if you click on the link and purchase you will get $20 discount.
I know from personal experience that when the screens go off all kinds of magic happens. If you are looking for some practical help try 12 tips To Help You Put Your Phone Away In Front Of Your Kids. It is one of the best articles I’ve seen on the subject.
4. FOCUS ON THE THINGS THEY DO RIGHT AS PARENTS
Do you feel as if you never get anything accomplished now that you are a parent? Nothing seems to stay clean, or tidy, or organized for more than two seconds.
I have some good news for you. The bottom line is this, a tidy house is NOT one of the qualities of good parents. PHEW!
They will be days when you do not check off all the items on your to do list. But don’t worry about the things left undone. Instead judge the day by the seeds of love you planted.
We all have those terrible parenting days. When everything goes wrong. When we feel as if we have messed up big time. That doesn’t mean you are a bad parent. Here’s a word of encouragement for you.
5. GOOD PARENTS TREASURE THE MOMENTS THEY HAVE WITH THEIR CHILDREN
Is it me or did this year go by at breakneck speed?
One minute you are thinking about New Year’s resolutions and in the next eye blink you realize it’s the end of the year already. Everyone is a year older and one more year of your kid’s childhood has gone past.
Yikes
And you know that the exact same thing will happen in the coming year.
We all know that childhood passes by in a flash, but in the midst of the business that comes with parenting it can be hard to appreciate our children right where they are. Remember these are your kids “Good Old Days”
- Here’s some tips to help you cherish every stage of your kid’s childhood.
- And some thoughts about treasuring the precious moments with our kids (still the most popular posts on my blog.)
6. GOOD PARENTS MAKE SURE THEY SPEND TIME TOGETHER AS A FAMILY
One of the qualities of a good parent is that they recognize the warning signs that mean their family isn’t spending enough time together. They make sure that they
- Have fun together
- Enjoy seasonal activities
- Do some acts of kindness together
- Try some science fun (It’s easy I promise)
- Play together
Playing with your kids is a wonderful way to enjoy some quality family time. My printable Play Activity Cards make it so easy. All the activities use household items and don’t need any preparation. Download your set today.
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