How to enhance your parenting skills

Provided by Seven Counties Services, Inc.

Sometimes the media seem to imply that a certain method of parenting will lead to perfection…but it just won't happen for either the adults or the children. And besides, parents need to be "working model" instead of perfect. Children learn more from watching us than from what we say. Kids need to see us struggle with problems, be unsure without quitting, make mistakes, and apologize. They need to see how we celebrate good things, handle disappointment, how we treat people, and what value we put on work and effort.

We are more believable that way, and actually we are better parents.

Review some of these tips to enhance your parenting skills:

--try being a careful listener without judging, teaching, or correcting. Simply listen and try to understand.

--allow yourself to be a child long enough to approach things occasionally from a child's point of view. It is an amazing and eye-opening perspective that many parents seem to have forgotten altogether.

--take a few minute and color with your child, enjoying it without trying to achieve a wonderful product.

--try being a cheerleader instead of a teacher. Applauding your child's attempts, as well as successes, helps instill confidence. Be sincere…a kid's radar is good at picking up insincerity, and over time he will begin to doubt your truthfulness.

--Spend some individual time with each child on a regular basis, being careful that the time remains a pleasure and not simply an obligation. Enjoy each child's uniqueness and individuality.

Remember that these child-focused times do a lot for your relationship and your own esteem regarding parenting. They also can help reduce discipline problems.

Parenting is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week job that is very complicated. To do it well requires skill, work, practice and commitment. You will make mistakes. The job quite probably will be the most demanding job you ever will have. However, when taken seriously, being a parent can lead to incredible enjoyment and satisfaction that can be available to anyone willing to accept the job.