10 Parenting Tips for Happier Children

As parents we all want to do the best we can for our children.

We are determined to do better for these little humans because they deserve it.

No matter what you call it (positive parenting, intentional parenting, etc) it’s super important to give your kids a strong foundation during their crucial developmental years.

There are many ways to enrichen the lives of your children, and it won’t cost you a thing.

When I became a mom I finally understood what it meant to do anything for someone.

My son, and all children deserve a beautiful, happy, and whole childhood.

So, here are some parenting tips for raising happier children – I hope you give them a try!

Give them love and attention

Giving your child love and attention might seem like an obvious point.

The love we have for our babies is unconditional, that’s no question.

Motherhood is tough though, and sometimes we find ourselves in the trenches.

Even through that we need to make sure that our children still feel seen, heard, and loved.

Our actions may not always make them feel that way if we’re overstimulated, touched-out, or overwhelmed.

That’s normal, so dont feel bad for those tough moments.

Instead, you can create intentional time with your children that is so impactful.

• color with them

• ask them what their favorite part of the day was

• play with them at the park

You can even check out http://5lovelanguages.com

I go into more detail on this website in my post about the importance of love languages – that applies to children too!

We as mothers spend so much time keeping everything in order we forget we can join the fun instead of watch from the sideline.

It makes all the difference to our little ones.

Encourage them to try new things and explore their interests

It’s important for children to try new things and see what they like (or don’t like.) Our job is to guide them and give them the support they need so they take that step. Sometimes it’s going to push both of you out of your comfort zone but they’ll never know until they try.

This can be trying new foods, or buying them a fishing rod when they say they want to learn! There are tons of things in our enviroment to give them an opportunity to learn more about themselves.

Remember – They aren’t going to like everything they have an initial interest in, children can switch up in seconds!

Create a positive and supportive home environment

Creating a positive and supportive home for them to grow up in is honestly the best thing you can do for your child. Home is their foundation, and it should be filled with love, laughter, and understanding. This is not saying it’s always going to be sunshine and rainbows, but it should always be a place where they feel the safest.

Safe to be themselves, to be upset, to cry, etc.

Communicating with your children is necessary – treat them like people. They have things to say, and listening to them is more significant than I think we realize.

Set clear boundaries and rules, but also allow for some flexibility

This of course depends on their age the kind of rules and boundaries, but it’s best to introduce this when they’re younger.

Have you ever tried to set a rule for a child when they were previously allowed to do it?

Not. Fun.

That’s going to happen though, so practicing patience while they test these boundaries is key.

Children need guidance, and that comes with rules to follow, and boundaries to respect. Being a dictator probably wont give you the outcome you’re looking for, but neither will a hands-off approach.

When you set rules and boundaries, be clear and direct. Children definitely know how to wear adults down, and we’ve all given in when we said we wouldn’t.

You can only hear the same question asked so many times before you crack, I get it.

It’s sooo hard, and can be very frustrating or triggering.

But, meaning what you say and following through is the best thing you can do in these situations.

Now, there are instances (and thats up to you as the parent) to determine what should always be followed, and what has room for flexibility.

Kids are going to make mistakes, so dont put too much pressure on them OR you to be model students.

Children are learning every second of every day, they deserve grace and patience while they’re understanding this big world.

Foster independence and self-esteem

As they grow we need to allow them independence, giving them age-appropriate tasks that they can do on their own.

• toddlers – stacking blocks

• 5 years old – cleaning their room by themselves

• 10 years old – making their own lunch

You can also let your child tell you. Kids get to an age where they think they can do everything without help. Although this isn’t true you can let them figure things out before stepping in right away.

(I know watching a two year old put on their coat at a snails pace can be hard, but hang in there mama!)

Praise and reward good behavior

Even before becoming a behavior therapist I knew the importance of positive reinforcement.

Children respond very well to us adults making a big deal out of the small victories. In one day you can find 100 things to praise your child for.

Doing this increases the likelihood of that desired behavior to happen again.

Now, just because there are things you expect them to do that doesn’t mean it needs to go unnoticed.

I got all A’s in school, but just because I was “supposed” to get good grades doesn’t mean being praised or rewarded didn’t feel great.

Parents tend to call out the few negative or unwanted behaviors instead of giving attention to the hundreds of positive things their child does.

Give more attention to the good, not the bad.

Model positive behavior and communication

Children learn how to be people from the adults in their lives, so how we model that is vital for their development.

We can’t hold children to a higher standard then we set for ourselves.

There is no tip for perfect parenting, because it doesnt exist.

• What you can do is teach your child how to communicate effectively by communicating effectively.

• Teach them compassion by being compassionate.

• Show them that they can have their big feelings and work through them because they see mommy doing it.

This isnt about perfection, but being intentional with your words and actions – especially when the little ones are around!

Encourage physical activity and healthy habits

Being active and establishing healthy habits is something you can start with your children at any moment. Healthy habits is not only eating well, but doing things that make your body feel good.

As a stay-at-home mom I know how tempting it can be to just stay inside. Taking your children outside the home for any reason is ALOT.

But, you and them need it.

You can go to the playground, take a short walk, have them ride their bike while you walk through your neighborhood, etc. Start small and work your way up if that makes you more comfortable, there is no wrong way to do this.

If they’re older you can encourage them to try out for a sport!

(I can’t wait for my son to play a sport. I’ll be the mom with the custom shirts LOL)

To get your child interested in making healthy choices you can include them in the process

• helping you make a smoothie

• asking them if they’ll do a dance workout with you

• ask them for help outside in the yard

Children love when adults give them tasks, not as a chore, but a way to include them!

I don’t know why, but use that to your advantage – no matter the age there is something that they can do!

Show gratitude and teach them to appreciate the good things in life

A huge part of parenting is modeling the behavior you want your child to imitate.

Gratitude is very easy to practice, even at a young age.

When they wake up in the morning, throughout the day, or before bed you can incorporate what I like to call “a moment for gratitude”

My husband and I started this a couple of years ago, and as our son gets bigger we’re going to add him into the conversation.

While they’re young or just getting the hang of it you can help them understand what it means and find their words.

Here are a couple of examples of what a small child might say –

• I’m grateful for juice

• I’m grateful for my toys

They’ll probably mention the things that make them feel happy, and thats great.

We then have to show them that there are things to be grateful for that are more challenging to grasp, and may hold more meaning.

• Daddy reading bedtime stories

• Watching moves with mom and dad

• The clothes that they wear

They’ll understand better the older they are, so if they want to voice their gratitude for all their stuffed animals that’s okay!

Provide opportunities for meaningful social interactions and relationships

Exposing your child to other people, and different surroundings can increase their happiness significantly.

Being home with mom and dad is unmatched, but they need to explore beyond their home to thrive. Children learn social cues and how to interact by being out in the world, and figuring it out along the way.

• setup playdates

• go out to eat with loved ones

• going to the neighborhood pool

• spending time with children in their age range

When children form a secure attachment to their parents they are more likely to have the confidence in social situations, and other relationships. Creating that environment for their growth is necessary.

Takeaway

I hope this inspired you to try out a few tips!

Raising these little humans is not for the weak, and I’m proud of you for wanting to do the best by them. It really does make such a difference in the relationship with your children.

Your children only have one childhood, give them the best one you can. ♡