20 Tips to Be a Good Parent

How to be a good parent? Parenting isn't something that comes with a manual. While classes for expectant mothers cover the basics of caring for a baby in its early months, the real challenge lies in the art of raising a child properly, a responsibility that squarely rests on the shoulders of parents. Often, there are two extremes: some dive headlong into parenthood, devouring books by child-rearing experts and molding their lives around their child's interests, while others take a more relaxed approach, reasoning that they managed to grow up without much guidance, so their children will do the same.

In this article, we'll provide you with a collection of 20 tips on effective parenting. Striking a balance is key – don't become solely absorbed in parenthood, but don't shy away from taking proactive steps when needed.

20 best parenting tips

Here are 20 essential tips for successful parenting. We hope you find them helpful.

1. Be a friend

Being a mom-friend or dad-friend places you on a more empathetic wavelength with your child than parents who adopt an authoritarian approach. This fosters trust and openness.

2. Lead by example

Remember the saying, "Like father, like son"? Your behavior sets a powerful example that your child will likely emulate. 

3. Love with boundaries

Show your love, but avoid putting your child on a pedestal. Maintain your role as the leader and decision-maker in the family.

Also: 10 Ways to Teach Kids about Boundaries

4. Respect their voice

Respect your child's opinions and wishes. A foundation of mutual respect simplifies the challenges of parenting, especially during the turbulent teenage years.

5. Live your life

Do you want to discover how to be a good parent? Allow your child to be independent. Around the age of three, they start developing their own sense of identity. It's crucial not to inhibit this process.

6. Nurture resilience

Instill a competitive spirit in your child. This will equip them to tackle life's hurdles with confidence, fostering both independence and resilience.

7. Embrace play

Don't let pedagogy and structure overshadow the importance of play. Sometimes, lying on the grass and engaging in spontaneous fun is just as valuable as structured activities.

8. Avoid projecting dreams

An essential tip for parents is refraining from projecting your unfulfilled dreams onto your kids. It's unfair to burden them with the weight of your unrealized aspirations.

9. Be mindful of punishments

When disciplining your child, keep punishments proportional to the misbehavior. Consider allowing them to take responsibility for their actions and devise appropriate consequences.

10. Equip for the journey

Prepare your child for life's challenges rather than trying to shield them from every difficulty. As the saying goes, "Teach them to bow the sky."

11. Set healthy boundaries

Create a list of non-negotiable boundaries. A loving family should never condone humiliation, cruelty, or any form of abuse.

12. Keep your promises

One of the tips about parenting you should follow- consistently keep your promises. Breaking them erodes your child's trust in you. Demonstrating reliability is a cornerstone of effective parenting.

13. Shield from your mistakes

A quote from Anatoly Nekrasov's "Mother's Love" captures it well: "Problems of children grow from parents' problems." Endeavor to protect your children from your past mistakes.

14. Embrace their individuality

Embrace your children for who they are. While certain traits may be molded, love your child in all their uniqueness, flaws and all.

Also: 5 Effective Strategies to Help a Child with Low Self-Esteem

15. Prioritize quality time

Make time for your child. In old age, you won't remember the hours dedicated to work and other commitments, but you'll cherish the moments spent with your family.

16. Avoid favoritism

How to be a good parent? Never play favorites among your children. Equal treatment fosters healthy sibling relationships and prevents resentment.

17. Maintain honesty

Honesty is the foundation of strong relationships. Even uncomfortable truths are better than lies, as they lay the groundwork for trust.

18. Give without expectation

Parenting is not an investment that yields gratitude. If you've raised your children well, their appreciation will naturally follow.

19. Offer encouragement

One of the best tips for a parent is celebrating even the smallest of your child's achievements. There's no such thing as excessive praise when it comes to nurturing their self-esteem.

20. Allow room for mistakes

Permit your child to experience life's ups and downs. Let them climb trees, fall, and learn from their failures. This ability to learn from setbacks is a priceless gift.

Adhering to at least half of these tips in your daily life will likely increase your chances of successful parenting.

So, how to be a good parent? As Janusz Korczak, a renowned Polish educator, put it, "Don't torment yourself if you can't do everything for your child. Remember: you haven't done enough for your child if you haven't done everything you could."