There is no definite definition for good parenting, it covers several aspects of your life and your child’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development from infancy to adulthood. Good parenting covers every action and interaction that you have with your child. It is driven with purpose and end goals in mind.
It is, therefore, the ability to deal with a child with love, warmth and acceptance, irrespective of whether the child is biologically yours or not.
It also involves parents living a life worthy of emulation by their kids. It’s common knowledge that children watch and do what they see their parents do, they speak and act almost exactly the way their parents do, therefore, this means that parents ought to watch their actions and reaction at all times.
While it is impossible to be perfect as parents and every parent’s best varies from day to day or even hour to hour, it is important that parents do their best to interact positively and respond to their kids’ needs every day. This means that parents must always have their child’s best interests at heart no matter what.
Having a child’s needs and interests at heart isn’t so difficult when you know the elements that comprise of good parenting.
Elements of Good Parenting
The following elements are present in good parenting.
Support
Parents are supportive of their children, assisting them with school and activities when needed, attending their events, and asking about their lives.
Discipline
Parents set guidelines and rules that align with their values and purpose. Rules are consistent, clear, and explained. The consequences are gentle and logical.
Routine
Routine, as well as structure and consistency, provides stability and a sense that the world is logical and predictable. It fosters healthy, positive development.
Trust
Parents trust their kids. If kids break that trust, parents talk openly, discipline, and explain why they are disciplining. Also, parents act in ways that their kids can trust them and what they say and do.
Involvement
Good parenting means being actively involved in kids’ lives. Setting aside time to do things together, attending school events and other activities, and staying current with what’s happening in kids’ lives are some aspects of involvement.
Positive focus
Parents help children have a positive perspective rather than a negative outlook. While processing negative events and situations is important, good parenting involves helping kids find positivity and forward direction.
Guidance
Good parenting involves guiding their children to be successful, but it does not involve controlling, micromanaging, or hovering over kids.
Responsibility
Parents give children age-appropriate tasks and chores. As kids grow, so do their responsibilities in order to foster success and a healthy work ethic.
Love
Above all else, good parenting is driven by love. This helps kids feel valued and facilitates healthy self-esteem and a belief in themselves and their abilities. When parents openly show love and affection, children learn to be caring and kind to others.
Having learned all the elements of good parenting, it’s clear that all parents are important and they have a lot of work to do. You are an asset in your children’s lives, helping them learn character traits like independence, self-direction, honesty, self-control, kindness, and cooperation.
Reading about all these might make it sound like it’s a tough job, but good parenting is a skill set that can be acquired and nurtured. With determination, love and purpose, all parents can practice good parenting, all you need is patience and practice.
Jake Ashword works as a Therapist by day.
