Step Two: Be Confident
The messages you get on what “good parenting” looks like is often contradictory. The “should” and “should nots” are coming at you from all angles, and it can be difficult to feel confident that you’re making the right choices. Truthfully, you probably are, and if you’re not, your gut will tell you.
The trick is learning to tune out all the clamor so you can tune in to your intuition. Children feel secure with a parent who is both calm and confident, so have faith in yourself. You don’t have to be perfect; just show up and do your best each day.
There are two key ways to show confidence. One is to be calm, which we just discussed, and the second is being consistent, which we are going to talk about next.
Step Three: Be Consistent
This bit of advice is probably in just about every parenting column out there, so it’s nothing you haven’t heard, but I’m going to put a positive spin on it. Yes, it is important to be consistent (though not rigid) in your rules and “discipline". But it is equally, if not more, important to be consistently playful, consistently loving, consistently encouraging, consistently happy, consistently available, consistently attentive, and consistently affectionate.
Being consistent in these areas will help you build a strong connection with your child, and that’s the real key to effective parenting.
Related Article: 5 Habits That Make Parenthood Easier
