How To Be A Better Parent – Tips For Changing Behavior

“How to be a better parent” is a question I’m being asked from time to time.

Parenting is hard work.

 

It accentuates our strengths and flaws.

It brings issues to the surface that, if ignored, can be harmful to your kids.

As a parent, are there things in your kids that bring out negative reactions or attitudes?

For me, gentle and patient responses are sometimes challenging.

I’ve often lost the fight.  Can you relate?

I’ve had enough  struggle in life to know when behavior needs to be changed. 

My conscience draws a line of accountability, saying “Enough is enough” when behavior or attitudes become a stumbling block to my character.

When reactionary responses towards my kids and husband are hurtful, I needed to change my behavior.

How to be a better parent? For me, the reply to this question is – Changing behavior.

I’ll be honest.  Change isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

I’ve discovered changing behavior to be a better parent is worth it. 

Each of us is accountable for our own actions. Changing behavior to be a better parent requires active choices.

How to be a better parent?  Steps in changing behavior in order to achieve this goal include:

• Changing what you can control.
• Acknowledging triggers and stress levels that make you vulnerable to anger.
• Asking for forgiveness without placing blame on others.
• Self-control in your speech.
• Walking away when anger wells up inside of you.
• Looking at stressors in your life and make changes to reduce your stress level.

Change is hard work!

Standing strong in trials is difficult.

Admitting your faults and changing them for the sake of your child’s development and family stability is not easy.  But it’s a great investment with big returns.

What things are helpful to you in controlling angry or reactionary responses?

What have you had to change, to become a better parent?

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