10 Ways to Feel Like a Top-Notch Parent

Parenting can be challenging right now, especially with everyone at home more and school openings feeling uncertain. Strangers on the internet are quick to shame parents for the slightest transgression without having any inkling of what parenting really takes, making it easy to feel discouraged. If you're struggling to keep your head above water when it comes to your kids, here are 10 ways to feel like a top-notch parent.

1. Exercise as a Family

Exercising as a family is a great way to decompress after a challenging day. It's also a great way to develop healthy habits early on for your kids. If there's a surplus of energy at your house, giving kids the chance to expend their energy in a different setting can help make it easier to manage at home, especially at bed time. Plus, you never know what you'll discover on a walking trail or on a bike ride around your neighborhood. If you'd rather keep exercise closer to home, swimming is a great activity to try together. If you're interested in beginning pool construction, Maryland residents have lots of convenient options.

2. Provide Healthy Snacks

Kids get peckish, especially if they're experiencing a growth spurt. You can make it easier on them and on yourself by prepping a variety of healthy snacks at the beginning of the week. They get the ease and independence of picking their own snack, you save time and know they're eating healthy foods.

3. Show Enthusiasm

You may not particularly care about sports or whatever TV show kids are into today, but if your kids love something, your enthusiasm means a lot to them. This is especially true if they've taken an interest in a new activity or hobby. Complimenting your child's art project or buying them some new supplies will mean the world.

4. Communicate

Effective Communication is essential for any healthy relationship, and that includes the relationship between a parent and child. If your kids are doing something wrong, punishment may not work if they don't understand exactly what they did wrong. It's also important for you to encourage them when it comes to communication. They should feel comfortable going to you if they have a problem or a question.

5. Don't Fear Boredom

Contrary to what the internet comment section may think, you are not responsible for entertaining your children 24/7. If they have toys, books and TV among countless other items, there's no reason they can't make their own fun. Also, boredom can force children to get more creative and work their brains in ways they aren't used to.

6. Prioritize Experience Over Material Items

You don't have limitless space, which means there are only so many toys and other items that will fit in your home. You can solve this problem by teaching your children to value experiences more than physical items. You can create more memories by visiting museums and parks, or maybe slightly more expensive experiences like horseback riding or ziplining. Trying new things can also help children develop greater confidence.

7. Set Boundaries

Boundaries are important throughout every stage of life, so why not establish them in childhood? There's nothing wrong with letting your children know they can't watch TV past a certain time, or that the sign on your door means you need to get some work done. In return, they can come up with some boundaries of their own. Maybe they don't feel like talking to someone from time to time or would rather play alone when their siblings would rather bother them. These systems teach children that they are worthy of respect.

8. Be Flexible

Sometimes things will happen and you won't know how to respond. Whether the situation doesn't fit into your current parenting box or the lines are blurred, it's okay to not know how to respond. There's nothing wrong with taking a moment to step back and think about how to proceed. In fact, this is a much better option than exploding or acting too quickly and saying something you regret.

9. Show Love

Even if it's implied, sometimes your children need to know just how much you love them. Normalize expressing emotions, and let them know how appreciated they are.

10. Relax

At the end of the day, you're only human, and humans have limits. Know when to take a break and recharge. Not only is this essential for your own wellbeing, it is also important to show your kids the necessity of self care. You can even make it a family activity by spending an hour two of quiet time napping, doing a quiet activity or watching a movie together.

Parenting is hard, but it's important not to be too hard on yourself. So long as your kids are healthy and happy, you're doing a great job. With a little planning, you can keep those healthy and happy kids entertained while also preserving your own sanity.