Parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs a person will ever have. As a parent you have the chance to help mold a human being into a person who can do anything. It is a weighty responsibility, but you don’t have to go it alone. Here’s some advice from other parents to help you make the most of your new job.
When your child falls and bumps their head, do not allow them to go to sleep for at least two hours. This is because you want to monitor for symptoms that your child may have suffered from internal bleeding. Some symptoms include disorientation, confusion, headache and dizziness complaints, and blurred vision. If your child has these symptoms, bring him/her to the emergency room.
Do not feel ashamed if you want to take parenting classes. These classes are made to help parents cope with the stresses and difficult decisions that come with parenting. By taking these classes, you are showing that you are willing to do whatever it takes in order to improve your parenting skills.
Allow your child an appropriate level of independence. For example, when your child is ready to walk to school by himself, consider whether or not it is reasonable and NOT whether or not you feel comfortable with it. You’ll never be totally at ease with letting your child do things on his own, so just relax and let him have some leeway.
Don’t use “Because I said so” as an answer to your children when they ask why. Explain your reasoning to them and they’re more likely to listen to you and do what you ask them to without arguing. Your children will respect you a lot more if you explain the reasons you have them do certain things.
Connecting with your child on more of a friendship level is good, but your child must always know that you are not his or her friend, rather that you are the parent. You can be friendly but you cannot allow yourself to be viewed as just a friend. That first name basis and secret handshake stuff is good movie fodder, but it doesn’t go over too well in the real world.
Keep the belt on your waist where it belongs! A lot of parents will spank children, but this can be really damaging for kids. Make sure that you’re using that belt to hold up your jeans and not to discipline your child. Something like that really borders on child abuse and goes above and beyond discipline. Prisoners aren’t even hit.
A great parenting tip is to not be so transparent when you’re angry or stressed out. When your child sees you angry or stressed out, they’ll start feeling anxious themselves, and this can lead to serious emotion problems in the future. Always try to remain calm around your children.
Do not feel bad if you cannot volunteer at your child’s school because of work or other obligations and responsibilities. You can still make a positive impact on your child’s educational experience by helping with his or her homework, reading books together, and staying actively involved in his or her life.
As a parent, take the time to give your child or children physical attention. Your children seek a physical bond with you, and it can be accomplished by giving each other lots of hugs, kisses, and even by snuggling with them watching their favorite television program or reading a book with them.
There is always something left to learn about being a parent. Even when your child is on their own and out of the house, you will still be learning about parenting. Hopefully you will be able to pass what you have learned down to your own children to help them raise the next generation.