Parenting Made Easy: 6 Basic Tips and Tricks for Success

Parenthood can be overwhelming, especially for new parents. The thought of being responsible for the life of another human being can be both exciting and terrifying. That’s why it’s important to have some basic good parenting tips and tricks up your sleeve to help you navigate the challenges that come with raising a child through the early years as they are babies.

Tip #1: Be Present

One of the most important good parenting tips is to be present for your young children. Being present means being there for your child both physically and emotionally. As a parent, you need to show your child that they are a priority in your life. Start just when they are babies.

This means setting aside time to spend with them, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. It means being fully present at the moment, listening to them and showing interest in their hobbies and interests. It means being there for them when they need you, whether it’s to celebrate their achievements or comfort them when they’re upset.

Here are some actionable examples of how to be present:

1. Make it a priority to have a daily conversation with your child. Ask about their day, their friends, and their interests. Listen to them attentively and engage with them.
2. Schedule regular quality time with your child. It can be a special activity or a simple family game night. The important thing is to spend time together without distractions, such as phones or TV.
3. Attend your child’s school events, such as parent-teacher conferences or school plays. Show your child that you value their education and support their achievements.
4. Practice active listening when your child talks to you. Pay attention to their body language and emotions, and respond with empathy and understanding.
5. Plan a special outing with your child. Take them to the park, museum, or a favorite restaurant. Use this time to connect with them and make memories together.

Tip #2: Set Clear Boundaries

Another essential fgood parenting tip is to set clear boundaries. Children thrive on structure and routine, and setting clear boundaries helps provide them with a sense of security and predictability.

This means setting rules and limits that are age-appropriate and consistent. It means enforcing those rules and limits in a fair and consistent manner, without being overly strict or authoritarian.

Setting clear boundaries also means modeling appropriate behavior. Children learn by example, so it’s important to model the kind of behavior you want to see in your child.

Here are 5 actionable examples of setting clear boundaries:

1. Set rules around screen time: Create a schedule for when your child can use electronic devices and for how long. Stick to these rules consistently and enforce them fairly year after year.
2. Establish consequences: Let your child know what the consequences will be if they break a rule. For example, if they hit their sibling, they may lose screen time for the day.
3. Model appropriate behavior: If you want your child to speak kindly to others, make sure you’re speaking kindly to them and to others around them.
4. Set limits around bedtime: Create a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it. Let your child know what time they need to go to bed and enforce it.
5. Create boundaries around personal space: Teach your child about the importance of personal space and respect for others’ boundaries. This can include not touching others without permission, not going into others’ rooms without permission, and respecting others’ belongings.

Tip #3: Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is another essential parenting skill. Good communication involves both listening and speaking. As a good parent, it’s important to listen to your child and validate their feelings, even if you don’t agree with them.

It’s also important to speak to your child in a way that they can understand. This means using age-appropriate language and avoiding using words or phrases that may confuse or scare them to keep their self-esteem intact.

Good communication also involves being open and honest with your child. It means being willing to have difficult conversations when necessary, and being willing to admit when you’re wrong.

Here are 5 actionable examples of effective communication in parenting:

1. Listen actively: When your child talks to you, give them your full attention. Make eye contact, ask questions and show genuine interest in what they are saying.
2. Validate their feelings: Even if you don’t agree with your child’s perspective, acknowledge their feelings and let them know that their emotions are valid.
3. Use age-appropriate language: Speak to your child in a way that they can understand. Avoid using technical terms or jargon that may confuse them.
4. Be honest: If your child asks a difficult question, be honest with them. Use age-appropriate language to explain the situation and answer their questions as honestly as possible.
5. Admit when you’re wrong: Nobody’s perfect, including parents. If you make a mistake or say something hurtful to your child, apologize and make it right. This teaches your child the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and admitting when they’re wrong.

Tip #4: Show Love and Affection

Showing love and affection is an important part of good parenting. Children need to know that they are loved and valued, and that they have a secure attachment with their parents.

This means showing physical affection, such as hugging and kissing your child. It also means using words and actions to express your love and support for your child.

Showing love and affection also means celebrating your child’s achievements and milestones, no matter how small. It means being their biggest cheerleader and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

Here are 5 actionable examples of Showing Love and Affection:

1. Give hugs and kisses: Physical affection is important for especially for young children. Make it a habit to give your child hugs and kisses regularly.
2. Tell them you love them: Verbal expressions of love and support are also important. Make sure your child knows how much you love and appreciate them.
3. Celebrate their achievements: Whether it’s a good grade, a soccer goal, or a simple act of kindness, celebrate your child’s accomplishments and let them know how proud you are of them.
4. Spend quality time together: Spending time with your child doing something they enjoy is a great way to show your love and affection. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; even a simple board game or walk in the park can make a difference.
5. Encourage their interests and passions: Encourage your child to pursue their interests and passions. Show an interest in what they’re interested in, and help them explore their passions

Tip #5: Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is an important part of being a parent. Parenting can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally, so it’s important to take time for yourself to recharge and refresh.

This means engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with friends. Establishing clear limits and declining requests when necessary is a fundamental component of enforcing personal boundaries. It means asking for assistance when you need it, whether it’s from a partner, friend, or family member.

Taking care of yourself also means modeling healthy behavior for your child. It means showing them that it’s important to take care of yourself in order to be the best parent you can be.

Here are 5 actionable examples of showing how to take care of yourself. 

1. Schedule self-care time: Make it a priority to set aside some time each week for self-care activities. This could include things like going for a run, reading a book, or taking a relaxing bath.
2. Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This could mean asking a family member to watch your child for a few hours, or hiring a babysitter so you can have a night out.
3. It is crucial to set personal boundaries and be able to decline requests or invitations that may bring unwanted stress into your life, which can be achieved by practicing to say “no”.
4. Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, and consider taking a nap during the day if you need to.
5. Set a good example: Children learn by example, so it’s important to model healthy behavior for them. Show them the importance of taking care of yourself by prioritizing your own self-care and wellness.

Tip #6: Stay Consistent

Staying consistent is the final parenting tip on our list. Consistency is key when it comes to parenting, as it helps your child feel safe and secure.

This means being consistent in your rules and routines, and avoiding making exceptions or changing the rules on a whim. It means following through with consequences when necessary, and rewarding good behavior when appropriate.

Staying consistent also means being a reliable and dependable parent. It means showing up for your child when you say you will, and following through on your promises.

Here are 5 actionable examples for staying consistent:

1. Establish clear routines and stick to them: Set up a regular schedule for meals, bedtime, and other important activities, and try to stick to it as closely as possible.
2. Communicate expectations clearly: Make sure your child knows what is expected of them in terms of behavior and chores, and be consistent in enforcing those expectations.
3. Follow through on consequences: If you establish consequences for misbehavior, make sure to follow through consistently. This helps your child understand that there are consequences to their actions.
4. Celebrate good behavior: When your child follows the rules and behaves well, make sure to acknowledge and celebrate their good behavior. This reinforces the positive behaviors you want to see.
5. Be reliable and dependable: If you make promises to your child, make sure to follow through on them. This helps your child feel secure and builds trust between you.

In conclusion, parenting is an ongoing learning process, and it can be challenging at times, but with the right mindset and approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By implementing these basic parenting tips and tricks, you can create a positive and nurturing environment for your child to thrive in. Remember to be patient with yourself and your child, and always strive to maintain open communication and a strong bond with them. With these tools in your arsenal, you can navigate the ups and downs of parenting with confidence and grace.