People are competitive by nature so it’s understandable why parents begin to compare themselves to others. In some situations, you need to compare yourself to others as it can highlight areas that you need to work on and improve. However, when it comes to parenting, comparisons aren’t healthy.
This is because every family is different. Each family faces its own unique financial, emotional, and social challenges that they are working to overcome. This means that these comparisons simply aren’t fair or reasonable and will only affect your mental health. The best thing that you can do is focus on yourself and do the best that you can.
With that in mind, here are some simple tips that you can put into practice to be a better parent.
Simple, practical tips to be a better parent
1. Look after yourself
If you’re not at your best, how can you expect to parent at your best? Parenting is a role that is as taxing as it is rewarding and for many parents, it’s a role that’s in addition to other responsibilities. This is why it’s so important that between school runs and making meals, you are looking after yourself as well. In short, if you aren’t in a good way, this will affect your ability to parent at your best.
2. Make technology work in your favour
Many parents are wary of technology and how much children should be using it. The thing is, if you can get your children to use technology in a way that’s good for them then there is no harm. Take cartoons, for example, if you show your children the right free kids cartoons, your children will be both educated and entertained at the same time. Another suggestion is the ensure that any apps or games also have an educational aspect.
3. Take the pressure off
Despite how things may appear, no parent is perfect. There are of course parents that are better than others, but no one gets everything right – it’s as simple as that. We’re telling you this so that you can take some of the pressure off yourself. You’re going to make mistakes and that’s ok. The most important thing that you can do is try and learn from these mistakes and improve as best you can.
4. Parent first
It can seem trendy to want to be friends with your children, however, that isn’t your job. Being friends with your kids is great and is part of a healthy relationship, but at the end of the day, you are their parents. Your kids won’t like you all the time and that’s ok – no one likes to be told to go to bed or eat a piece of fruit instead of chocolate. However, when your child is healthier due to sleep and nutrition, they will thank you for it.
Wrapping up
So what’s the message here? Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, do the best you can with what you have because, at the end of the day, that’s all any of us can do.