A significant insight I’ve gained since becoming a mother is this: if you seek great parenting advice, go directly to the source — your fellow parents. Today, friends from CoJ share their top parenting strategies, covering topics from handling picky eaters to navigating tantrums…
A lesson I’ve learned:
1. One of the simplest methods to boost a young child’s confidence is by getting them involved in daily tasks like cooking or cleaning the floors with a Swiffer. Initially, they often leave you with more mess to tidy up, which can be frustrating. However, the joy on their face when they succeed in mastering a new skill, such as pouring pancake mix into a bowl without spilling or gathering a small dust pile with a broom? Priceless.
From Abbey:
2. My trick for dealing with picky eaters? We engage in board games during dinner. When kids are preoccupied with strategizing their next move in Connect Four, they somehow overlook the foods they typically refuse — whether it’s a new texture, an unfamiliar vegetable, or a food they usually enjoy but have suddenly decided to dislike. Presently, our dinner environment has turned into a nightly Chinese Checkers competition. Junior Scrabble and classic fishing games have been successful as well. It works wonders for kids aged five to seven.
From Ruth:
3. Capture more videos of your child than you anticipate needing. Record so many that you might feel embarrassed about the quantity. While photos are lovely, you’ll never regret having just one more video of your child’s cute wiggling backside during the last week she crawled, right before she chose to walk from then on.
From Miranda:
4. Make it a point to greet your child with enthusiasm every single morning. You don’t have to be ‘on’ at every moment, of course, but beginning your child’s day with a cheerful expression is transformative. My amazing mom did this for me, and after her unexpected passing, I promised to do the same for my kids.
5. Allowing kids to fail is completely fine. It may feel awful, but it’s essential.
From Loryn:
6. You can’t interrupt a full-blown tantrum once it’s started, so don’t even attempt it. The best you can do is recognize their feelings and wait it out as long as necessary for them to process. For my child, that can take a VERY long time. Therefore, during these moments, I focus on maintaining my calmness through deep breathing. Over time, her emotional outbursts have diminished significantly. Your child will eventually learn to self-regulate, but until that moment, try to be gentle with them and yourself.
From Caroline:
7. My ultimate baby hack is what I call *nap cap*. Simply put: when your baby is overstimulated and struggling to fall asleep, pull the front of their hat down over their eyes, then rock or stroll them for a little while, and voilà. They’re out. It acts as an eye mask for babies and works well in bright environments like airports or restaurants.
8. I have three boys — aged six, four, and two — and I cherish reading in their presence. If they’re engrossed in a show, I’ll settle on the sofa nearby and dive into my book. If they’re busy drawing, I’ll sketch alongside them for a bit, then switch to reading. If they’re dashing around the park, I’m sitting on a bench with my novel. This didn’t originate as a method to subconsciously encourage them to love reading, but now my six-year-old reads independently and often suggests, ‘Mom, perhaps we could enjoy a cozy reading session this afternoon.’ It feels like a parenting milestone.
From Edith:
9. Think about unfollowing those overwhelming yet well-meaning constant-parenting-advice Instagram accounts and newsletters. Constantly seeing ‘how to be a better parent’ can be exhausting. You’re doing great.
From Jenny:
10. To new parents, I would say: Don’t be hard on yourself if you find yourself doing things you thought you wouldn’t, such as using a pacifier or not having dinner as a family at the table. Kids are much more open to changes when you are ready than you might expect. Nothing is permanent.
Thank you so much, parents. What would you like to add?
P.S. Home as a sanctuary, and what phase of parenting are you currently experiencing?
(Photo by Valbar Studio/Stocksy.)
**10 Surprising Tips for Successful Parenting**
Parenting is an adventure packed with joys, hurdles, and endless learning experiences. While conventional advice often emphasizes discipline, routines, and education, numerous unconventional techniques can elevate your parenting journey. Here are ten surprising tips for successful parenting that might catch you off guard:
1. **Embrace Flaws**: Recognize that neither you nor your child has to achieve perfection. Accepting imperfections enables you to showcase resilience and adaptability, teaching your child that errors provide opportunities for learning.
2. **Focus on Self-Care**: Caring for yourself is vital. By prioritizing your well-being, you’ll possess more patience, energy, and positivity to share with your child. Remember, a joyful parent typically results in a joyful child.
3. **Welcome Boredom**: Allowing your child to experience boredom can stimulate creativity and autonomy. It inspires them to use their imagination and develop problem-solving abilities.
4. **Engage in Active Listening**: Instead of jumping straight to solutions, practice active listening. Acknowledge your child’s feelings and encourage them to articulate their thoughts fully. This fosters trust and strengthens your connection.
5. **Demonstrate Emotional Control**: Show how to handle emotions by remaining calm during challenging situations. Children learn through observation, and witnessing your effective emotional management will teach them to do the same.
6. **Integrate Playfulness**: Infuse fun into everyday activities. Whether it’s transforming chores into games or employing humor to ease tensions, playfulness can enhance parenting enjoyment and deepen your bond with your child.
7. **Promote Independence**: Encourage your child to undertake age-appropriate tasks. This not only boosts confidence but also imparts essential life skills and the importance of contributing to the family.
8. **Avoid Overscheduling**: Resist the temptation to fill every moment with organized activities. Allowing for free time helps children unwind and recharge, benefiting their mental health.
9. **Practice Gratitude**: Regularly engage in family gratitude exercises. This can be as simple as sharing what you’re thankful for at dinner. Practicing gratitude nurtures a positive mindset and enhances overall family happiness.
10. **Remain Inquisitive**: Approach parenting with curiosity instead of judgment. When issues arise, ask questions and strive to understand your child’s perspective. This openness can lead to more effective communication and problem-solving.
By integrating these unexpected strategies into your parenting style, you can cultivate a nurturing environment that promotes your child’s growth and strengthens your family relationship. Remember, effective parenting isn’t about adhering to a strict set of standards but about adjusting to your child’s individual needs and fostering a caring, supportive bond.
