Great Tips for Parenting Any Child

Aside from parents, the most knowledgeable child experts are psychologists. They spend years studying children, their behaviors and their lives. This means they have some pretty good advice when it comes to taking care of your kids and entering the world of parenting. Your child deserves your best, which is why you should always take the time to learn good parenting tips. They can make the difference between being frazzled and flustered and being calm and prepared.

Articulate

When you have small kids, it’s easy to get lost in translation. Your little one might show his or her frustration by throwing toys when trying to get your attention. This tip is a great one; try articulating your child’s feelings for him or her to help teach your child what’s going on and how to better convey those feelings to you. For example, “I know you’re mad because your sister took your toy. I know you threw your truck because you’re mad, but next time just tell your sister you’re mad instead of throwing a toy. That will make mommy happy instead of sad.” It helps your child learn to express more appropriately.

Slow Down

One of the best parenting tips any child psychologist has to offer parents is simply to slow down. Stop rushing through everything. You and your children will be pleasantly surprised to realize that life is actually much more enjoyable when you take the opportunity to do things at a slower pace. Your kids will feel they have more of your attention and less of your frustration.

Embrace Tears

Parents tend to stress when their kids are crying. When you discipline your child for misbehaving, don’t stress out if they cry. They don’t love you any less or think you love them any less; they’re just frustrated and angry. Besides, your kids release hormones when crying, which will help them feel better when they’re done.

(Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)