Be affirmative and provide security for your child
Make sure to always point out the good things your child has done or said even if it doesn’t sound like a big thing at first glance. Your child needs to feel good and worthy and should always be aware of that. Even when he or she is underachieving in some task, you should be the one to show them that failing is OK and that they can handle it. If your child is upset because they, for example, got a bad grade or lost a game, try to calm them down and explain that these things happen, and it doesn’t mean they are worse or weaker than others. Raising children in this manner helps them be more confident and self-assured in adulthood.
Allow them to express their emotions
Be OK with all kinds of your child’s emotions! Whether it’s anger, sadness, happiness or fear, make sure to show your child it is OK to feel that way and to express their feelings. If you react negatively every time your child starts crying you are sending him/her message that it is not OK and that they should be ashamed for it. It is better to talk to the child and teach him/her to appreciate and understand their emotions.
Always talk through the problems
Although we love our children unconditionally, sometimes they make us really angry. In those moments it is important to remember that it is a child we are talking to, not a grown up. We should try to avoid ignoring or interrupting our children while speaking when they make us angry. Good parent always explains to the child how he/she feels and what is making him/her upset. This way you are communicating with your child and helping yourself and the child understand what is making you angry.
Respecting your child’s privacy and boundaries
This mostly applies to parents of teenagers. Being aware that children are growing up and that they need their own privacy is an important step. By showing them that you respect their boundaries you are also demonstrating that you respect them as persons. So, don’t forget to knock before you enter a child’s room, never read their messages or “spy on them”, unless of course you are worried about them being in real danger.
