| As a parent, perhaps the one thing that you are | | | | scared of or that there is no reason for them to be |
| worried about the most is being a good parent. The | | | | mad. To learn how to be a good parent you will need |
| problem is how do you know if you are being a good | | | | to accept their feelings, which includes acknowledging |
| parent or not. Here are 3 simple guidelines to assess | | | | their feelings. For example, tell them it is o.k. to be sad |
| yourself. | | | | that their friend had to go home. Telling them it is o.k. to |
| Step 1 | | | | feel a certain way is great parenting because you are |
| The first step you need to follow to learn how to be a | | | | showing your child it is o.k. for them to have their own |
| good parent is to slow down and get to know your | | | | feelings and desires. |
| child. Many times parents forget that children do not | | | | Step 3 |
| run on the same time frame as adults. Children are | | | | The last thing that you will need to learn so you can |
| very relaxed when it comes t time because they are | | | | learn how to be a good parent is let your child know |
| not in a hurry to go anywhere, nor do they have a | | | | what you expect from them. Explain to them how you |
| concept of time. Children simply go at their own pace. | | | | expect them to act in certain situations, even though |
| By observing your child you will be able to get to know | | | | they might not comply, it is important to tell them what |
| your child better, which will give you a better | | | | you expect and why you expect that behavior. You |
| understanding of your child. The more you know and | | | | should also set clear limits when you are setting the |
| understand your child the better equipped you will be | | | | expectations. This is important because it shows your |
| to deal with their moods and abilities, so you will not | | | | child that they have consequences for their actions. |
| expect too much from them. | | | | For example, if they bit somebody because they were |
| Step 2 | | | | mad, you need to have a consequence for that |
| The second thing that you need to learn how to do if | | | | behavior. Talk to them about why that behavior is not |
| you want to learn how to be a good parent is to | | | | acceptable and give them other choices that are |
| accept your child's feelings and desires. All too often it | | | | appropriate. |
| is easier for parents to say there is nothing to be | | | | |