How to Become a Good Parent

What you do as a parent matters: Be a good role model. Set a good example.

Your child will always be watching you, so it's important not just to react, but think about what you want or will accomplish through your reaction.

You cannot be too loving: You cannot spoil a child with love; you can, however, spoil him or her with objects given in place of love, but you can never give out too much love.

Make time for your child: When becoming a parent, your life is not just about you anymore.

And with so many demands on your time, it may be difficult for you and your child (children) to sit down and have a family dinner or spend quality time together.

But odds are, there is probably nothing your child would like more than to be with you. It's the little things you can do with your child that will make the biggest difference in his or her life.

Catch your child being good: As your child grows, you may need to stop and think about how many times you are reacting negatively to your child in a given day.

You may find yourself criticizing more than complimenting.

Then you need to think about how you would respond if your boss just kept criticizing you.

When you catch your child doing something right, and comment as such, then those statements will do more to encourage good behavior over the long run.

Make a point to find something to praise everyday. Love, hugs, and compliments can work wonders and are often reward enough.

Be flexible: Set realistic expectations for your child. What works for one child, may not work for another.

What one parent does may be right for that parent, but it may not be right for you.

As your child grows and changes, you will gradually have to change your parenting style.

And chances are what works with your child now, may not work in a year or two.

So as your child grows, it's important for you to grow and adapt as well.

Nurture your child's self-esteem: Praise your child's accomplishments, no matter how small they may be.

Your praises will make your child feel proud. Letting your child do things independently will make him or her feel capable and strong.

Choose your words carefully and be compassionate. Let your child know that everyone makes mistakes and that you will always love him/her, even if you don't always love his/her behavior.

Set limits and be consistent with your discipline: Discipline is necessary in every household, and it is necessary with every child.

Discipline has one goal: to help children decide what behaviors are acceptable.

Discipline also is a way for children to develop self-control.

Children will test their limits, but it's important to stand your ground and not give in.

Set house rules. And you may want to have a discipline system in place if house rules are not followed, i.e. a warning, followed by consequences such as a "time-out" or loss of privileges.

But be sure to follow through with consequences if a house rule is broken.

Be consistent with your discipline. Being consistent teaches your child what you expect.

Be aware of your own needs and limitations as a parent: You have to face the fact that you are not a perfect parent, but you are a GOOD PARENT.

You have your own strengths and weaknesses. As you have realistic expectations for your child, you should have realistic expectations for you, for your spouse, and for your children if you have others.

You don't have to have all the answers. Be prepared to forgive yourself. Make parenting a manageable job. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Admit it when you are burned out and do something for yourself that will make you happy.

That won't make you selfish. It simply means you care about your own well-being too, which is an important value to model to your child.

Raising children is one of the toughest but most fulfilling jobs in the world. With a little patience, a little advice, and accepting a little help you are taking the right steps on how to become a good parent.

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