Have you ever wondered if parents somehow instinctively know how to raise their kids? Or, do you believe that there are certain parenting skills that can be learned.
The fact is there are some key principles that can be applied, which can go a long way in your being able to raise children well.
In this regard, attention must be focused on a child's physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
At the end of the day, they must be able to function well at home, in the community, and in the wider society.
Bear in mind that every parent must be able to teach and impart life values to their child.
Knowing them is one thing, being able to pass on them on is quite another.
Of course, this is easily achieved if you are actually practicing them yourself.
In this way, you become the model for your child and by simply watching how you behave, valuable lessons are learned.
This is the way in which the morals and values you so dearly wish your child to display, can be passed on.
The ability to listen is another important skill that parenting requires.
Children often say that parents do not understand them because they do not listen to them.
Therefore, it is important to devote some time to really hear what your child has to say.
Understanding their concerns and needs, and being attentive to them, is so very important in making them feel connected to the family unit.
Another key skill parents must have is the ability to discipline their child in a positive manner.
To achieve this, rules must first be created so that the child understands the boundaries within which they are allowed to operate.
Alongside this, they must be made aware of the consequences of their failure to comply with those rules.
They must be made to appreciate what is unacceptable behavior.
Punishment must be swift, consistent, and firm.
Yet at the same time, scolding must be done in a loving way, and the child must be shown kindness and respect.
Parenting also requires patience.
Many times the results you expect from your efforts might take some time to bear fruit.
Also, recognize that there are several developmental stages, which a child passes through.
Therefore, there will be times when even with your best efforts, things will go wrong.
This is especially true of the teenage years.
During this time children are trying to discover their own identify.
As a result, they rely less on their parents and are more readily influenced by their peers.
It is a time that requires a lot of patience and support from parents, because there is so much going on.
Parenting can be done successfully if you learn certain basic skills, and then apply them.
However, even with the best skills at hand, it is a parent's responsibility to be a role model for their child.
'Children live what they learn' therefore, if you live the right way, it stands to reason that your child will learn the right things.