Parenting is not an easy task!

In the current dynamic world, parenting has become more complex with the raising technology and now it has even been worsened by the global COVID 19 crisis. Children are out of school and parents have to go out to work or alternatively work from home.

So what is Parenting? Parenting can be defined as a process of promoting supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child, from infancy to adulthood. It also refers to the activities of raising a child rather than the biological relationship.

Maturity is key when it comes to parenting responsibilities, this is the state of having grown beyond the childhood experiences to personal stability. A psychologically stable person is able to support and challenge children as he/she gives love care and guidance.

Parents should create an environment of love, acceptance, and empathy while also allowing the natural consequences of their children's behavior and actions to do the teaching.

Team effort is a good trait because parents who work together show a strong sense of purpose to their children. They manage to instill in their children a sense of corrective responsibility in managing family dignity hence shaping them to maturity.

Let's look at the different types of Parenting-:

Single Parenting; -A person bringing up a child without a partner.

Biological Parenting:_ A child been raised up by both parents who conceived him or her.

Step-Parenting:- Bringing up a child when one parent is biological and is married to another who is not biological.

Adaptive Parenting:- It's bringing up children who are not biological but the parents have the legal documents to bring them up.

Foster Parenting:- This where a child is placed with caregivers so as to provide a safe place however without a legal document.

Same-sex Parenting:- These are children who are raised by gays and lesbians.

It's important for parents to note that children come to the world with their own personalities, temperaments, and goals.

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men "- Fredrick Douglass

It's wise for parents to give their children the privilege to pursue what they choose; and so what makes a good parent? There is no perfect parent or child and its good to know your limitations as a parent.

Some tips that can help you to be more fulfilled as a parent.

OK, let's dive in:-

Boost your children's esteem

Children start to develop their sense of self when they are babies when they see themselves through their parent's eyes. Your voice, tone, and expressions plus your body language are all absorbed by your children.

Your words and actions as a parent affect their developing self-esteem. Complimenting your children however small will make them feel proud. Belittling comments and comparing a child with another unfavorably make children feel worthless.

Avoid by all means making loaded statements especially when you are angry. Comments such as "You are stupid" or "what a stupid thing to do" cause damage just as physical blows do.

Choose your words carefully and be compassionate. Let your children know that everyone makes mistakes and that you still love them, even if you don't love their behavior.

Be Consistent with your discipline and set limits

Discipline is necessary for every home. The goal of instilling discipline is to help children to accept good behaviour and learn to be self-controlled.

Establishing house rules help children to understand their parent's expectations and to develop self-control. Some good rules would be like" no TV "until homework is done or name-calling or hateful teasing is not allowed.

behaviour behaviour

Make time for your children

With the changing times and demands of life, parents have very limited time to spend with their children. There is probably nothing children would like more than to spend time with their parents!

In the current COVID 19 season when children are at home and have so much time in their hands, parents can create time in their busy schedules to spend time and monitor their children's behaviour.

We can see the disastrous effects of early pregnancies and the loss of lives due to parental neglect during this season of crisis. Children who don't get attention from their parents often act out or misbehave because they're to be noticed that way.

However, don't feel guilty if you are a working parent it's in the little things; that you do like having meals together, shopping, and just playing with your kids! That's very doable, isn't it?

Your children will always treasure those moments. Try it!

Be a good role model

Children learn a lot about how to act by watching their parents. Model the traits that you would wish to see in your children such as respect, honesty, kindness, and integrity.

Sow good seeds to other people without expecting rewards. Express gratitude and offer compliments to your children.

Understanding Your child's behaviour

The truth is that if a child does not get attention in a good way they will get other ways of getting it. There will always be a reason a child decides to throw a tantrum. The challenge to a parent is to try to figure out the cause of it.

In the modern world, we all want our children to express themselves if they are upset and chances are they could be seeking your attention. Unfortunately, this is quite impossible the behaviour is the symptom that a parent should interpret.

The next time your child is throwing a tantrum or behaving in a certain negative manner step back, and just watch your child, and try to understand what your child is trying to accomplish.

Once you get to the bottom of the issue you will be more proactive in avoiding that from happening the next time.

Empowerment

When a parent empowers a child they help them believe in their strengths and builds tons of confidence in their abilities.

This has a positive impact because children recognize their skills and they're able to develop a growth mindset. Ultimately, they are empowered to handle

failure positively.

In Conclusion

Responsible parents form a disciplined society. With the emerging trends of technology, parents should be alert with their children's behaviour eg. monitoring what they are watching through gadgets and offer guidance.

During this COVID 19 season, extra caution should be put in place because of the time in children's hands. Engage them in Lifeskills and other helpful activities, bearing in mind these children will be our next generation leaders in all fields.

Leave your comments and follow me on my Facebook page Destiny Trainers... and check out for our Teens program to engage your children in this COVID 19 Season.