“A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” George Bernard Shaw
Parenting comes with many challenges. As parents we are all different and our children are also individuals so I reckon that this combination ensures that no two families are the same. However, I do feel that we all have the potential to parent happily should we want to. By being happy within we will be able to use that when interacting with our children.
If it doesn't come naturally for you but you have the desire to be a happy parent, don't fret!! You can train your thoughts and with some effort in the beginning it will become a natural thing for you and the rewards for yourself and your children will be worth it.
As a mum of four children, 2 boys and 2 girls, I feel that it is very important to be happy whilst carrying out the sometimes challenging task that is parenting. I will be the first to admit that my angels are not on their best behaviour ALL of the time. Especially when they are testing boundaries!! But how I approach parenting my children at these times can mean all the difference between a happy life or a not so happy life.
What I have discovered is that my children respond to how I interact with them. They are all totally different in character but they all respond more positively to me being happy.
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Focus on the positives that your child does. Be sure to encourage good behaviour by commenting !! A good practice to get used to is to say 6 positives for every negative.Simplify things. "It's the simple things that we thing of in the future and what our children remember the most"Try to not let your child feel the ripples if you are having a 'bad day'. We are all human and have these times when we are not our jolly selves, but it is worth remembering that your child isn't responsible for your emotions and they may pick up on your feelings so their behaviour may reflect that. Try to adjust your thoughts. 'Think Happy Thoughts'.Think before you Respond. 3 step process. Stop,Think and then be a parent.Work with your child to find a compromising solution. This will also enhance your child's life skills in in the area of problem solving.Work together to build a positive relationship.Try to discipline respectfully. Would you rather your child fear or resent you? Treat your child with respect and it will be returned. Remember they are always learning.Always keep your child informed of plans in advance so that they are in the know. There wont be so much resistance then. example : It will be time to finish p
