Do any of these classic parenting tips sound familiar?
“Communication is the foundation of a good relationship.”
“Set a good example for your children.”
“Consistency is key.”
Odds are you have heard one, if not all, of these classic parenting tips more than once since you got pregnant. We want our children to grow up to be happy and healthy. We want them to be successful and feel safe in the home we’ve made for them. But parenting isn’t always easy. It takes effort to be mindful, open, and loving parents.
As parents raising children in the 21st century, we need all the help we can get! And we’ve learned that the classics have stood the test of time for a good reason. We are looking at 10 timeless, classic parenting tips to help you raise your children to grow into thriving adults.
10 Classic Parenting Tips That Stand the Test of Time
1. Show Love and Respect
Show love and respect in your daily life. Not only to your children but also to your spouse and friends, as this will set a good example for your little ones. This will also help prevent your child from seeing you as an authority figure and nothing more.
For example, if you discipline your child, do not do it in front of their friends. This would be embarrassing for them. Taking them aside privately or talking to your child after their friends have gone home shows that you respect their privacy.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Discipline
As a parent, it is your job to guide your children through the early stages of life. This means that you are responsible for disciplining and setting the rules. Just because you give corrective guidance doesn’t mean you are a harsh or unloving parent.
3. Remember to Explain Yourself
“You’re not allowed to go out tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so!”
Does this scene sound familiar? A child has requested something from their parent only to be met with an umbrella statement of “No” or “Because.”
This is not an efficient way to parent your child because it can breed resentment and rebellion. Yes, you are the parent and make the rules, but remember to explain why to your children. Say, “You cannot go out tonight because it’s already getting late, and it’s a school night.” This will be much more effective than simply saying no.
4. Spend Quality Time Together
Just as spending quality time with your partner is important for maintaining a happy marriage, spending quality time with your children will promote a healthy relationship.
Many families benefit from eating meals together and scheduling a regular family day to play games, talk, or go on adventures together. This lets you take a genuine interest in your kid’s hobbies, friends, and lives.
5. Set a Good Example
There is no doubt that, for better or worse, children will imitate their parent’s behavior. For example, studies show that children are more likely to develop the habit of smoking if their parents smoke.1
Be kind and set a good example. They look to you to set the pattern for social behavior and personal habits.
6. Communicate Regularly
No matter their age, toddlers, kids, and teens love to talk! This is why communication is one of the timeless, classic parenting tips. Communication is the backbone of your parent-child relationship. It’s how you develop a deeper relationship with your children, know how they think, and learn what they are going through.
Just make sure you communicate in an inviting way with your children. Do not grill them with questions that make them feel defensive. Just make conversation.
When you receive your child’s communication in a non-judgmental manner, they will be more likely to come to you with their thoughts and problems.
7. Be Consistent
Make rules and routines a constant in your household. Children thrive on routine. Being consistent with household rules, discipline, and other daily routines, will make your child feel safe and secure in their household.
8. Take Care of Your Marriage
Unhappy couples can have a huge impact on children. An absentee parent can cause a child to have educational trials, act out sexually at an early age, experience a loss of emotional security, and have higher levels of mistrust.2,3,4,5
On the other hand, studies reveal that children function better emotionally, physically, and mentally when their parents seek to care for their marriage.6 So prioritize date night in your household and find new ways to connect to your spouse regularly.
9. Build Up Your Children
In some ways, today, children have it easy. Thanks to the internet, they have all the opportunities in the world at their fingertips. But in other ways, being a kid is very hard today. There is immense peer pressure, online bullying, and a rise in child anxiety.
Instead of looking at all the things your child could be doing better, focus on what they are great at and compliment them. Build your kids up with positive reinforcement, especially when they do something good, like emptying the dishwasher without being asked or displaying kindness to someone else.
10. Learn to Let It Go
Don’t sweat the small stuff. And as the saying goes, “It’s all small stuff.”
Parenting can be challenging. There are many wonderful ups and a few difficult downs. It’s important to remember that you are not perfect, and neither are your children. So when it is acceptable to do so, learn to let the small stuff go.
Classic parenting tips are timeless for a reason. You must establish trust to maintain a peaceful relationship with your kids, reduce stress, and have a happy family life. Set healthy boundaries for your children, follow through with discipline, establish a daily routine, and take care of your children mentally and physically. These classic parenting tips are sure to keep your children healthy and happy well into adulthood.
