5 Tips on How to Be a Better Parent in 2023

Everyone has resolutions to ponder over with the new year coming in just a few days; but as parents, we have a unique set of resolutions.

Although some fitness and health resolutions may overlap with most others, we have a responsibility to improve ourselves in ways that also improve our children.

While this guide is not the “Ultimate Parenting Resolution Guide for 2023”, it is a good starting point for you to develop resolutions that better yourself and your kids in 2023.

Let’s get started.

Learn How to Listen

Even though social media has given your child the ability to broadcast their thoughts globally in an instant, they still suffer from not being heard. Their posts may not get enough views, likes, or comments, and as a result, they feel like nobody is listening to them.

So whether you actively try to get them to share their thoughts and feelings or they come to you on their own volition, learn how to listen - and I mean, listen.

Don’t interrupt them, ask questions that indicate you heard what they said, and offer nonverbal cues that indicate that you’re listening.

Share Your Hardships

I am blessed with the best parents anyone could ask for. I knew this as a child from the love they shared, and recognized this even more as an adult when thinking back on how they raised me.

One of those reflections was when I realized that my parents didn’t shelter me from their hardships, both past and present.

When I understood the challenges they overcame before I was born, I had more respect for what they had to say and understood why they told me to do, or not do, certain things.

When they shared their current trials and tribulations, I also understood why they seemed stressed, couldn’t spend more time with me, or seemed distant.

With that said, they didn’t unload all of their problems onto me; just ones that were relevant.

For example, when problems arose between my mother and her mother, my mother explained to me their history when I was old enough. As a result, I understood why I couldn’t see grandma for a time and why my mother was so upset.

TLDR; don’t shelter your kids from life’s challenges; instead invite them into the conversation to strengthen your bonds.

Make An Effort to Reduce Screen Time

This goes both ways; find ways to reduce your screen time as well as that of your children. As adults, we remember a time before smartphones and computers, so it’s easier for us.

But, some generations of children have never experienced life before the iPad, so it may be more difficult for them to “unplug”. Keep this in mind when reducing screen time and explain to them the importance of face-to-face interaction. 

It will benefit your familial bond as well as their social skills in the long run.

Teach Them How to Think, Not What to Think

One of the many things I’ve noticed about younger generations is their lack of critical thinking skills. It’s come to a point where consuming the mainstream narrative is so commonplace that even just questioning it critically is deemed socially inappropriate.

Now I’m not saying to turn your child into a full clown conspiracy theorist, but it is very important to teach them how to think for themselves and encourage them to form their own opinions.

If they don’t think for themselves, somebody else will do the thinking for them - often with malicious intent.

Lead By Example

Finally, the best way you can be a better parent in the new year is to be a better person yourself. Children look up to their parents more than anybody else, so if you want them to become a more well-rounded human being, emulate the person you want them to be.

A good way to do this is to discover their resolutions and implement them yourself.

For example, if your child sets a goal to read more books in the new year, do the same. You can encourage them to read with you or position yourself in a place where they will see you reading.

Or, if your kid wants to spend more time with the dog, bring the dog on more walks and invite your child along. They may be resistant at first, but once they see how good you feel and how much fun you’re having, they won’t be able to resist.

Being a better parent in the new year really boils down to developing better communication skills and working to improve yourself.

Again, your kids look up to you more than anybody else in the world, so as long as you are the best you can be in 2023, your kids will more than likely follow suit.

Have a prosperous and happy new year,

Elizabeth
TheFamilyGifts