Some parents are very strict and cold towards their children. Some are too cool and lenient with their kids. The ideal parenting is to be a cool but strong parent for your children.
Being too strict might draw kids away from their parents. Being too lenient might make kids undisciplined and disrespectful. Teaching Self-Government has some tips for parents who want to have a close, affectionate and loving relationship with their kids but want to enforce discipline on them as well.
1. Cool parents buy their kids what they want. However, parents should not do this all the time.
Parents need to consider their budget when buying things for their kids. If what your kid wants does not fit the budget, parents need to clearly explain to their kids that they need to save money for other important things.
Parents should also consider if what their kid wants is harmless or not. If what the kid wants could cause harm and danger, parents need to explain these dangers to their kids before refusing their request. If you have the budget, you can help your kid pick a more useful thing to buy.
2. Cool parents do fun activities with their kids.
Kids and teens constantly seek fun activities in their lives. If they do not get these from their parents, they would be willing to do these activities with other people.
Make sure to find time in your busy schedule for these fun activities. These activities do not need to be expensive and extravagant. They can be cheap, simple but fun activities. Educational but fun activities like going to the museum are even better.
3. Cool parents do not boss their kids around. But neither do they act as equals and inferiors either.
Cool parents act as good leaders for their kids. They teach their kids values through example, by being good role models to them. "Kids will do more of what you do than what you say," We Got Kidz shared.
They also know how to correct and discipline their kids without being aggressive, mean and hurtful. Cool parents also let their kids decide on things that are not harmful, but they take charge when they need to.
4. A cool parent allows his or her kids to spend time with their friends. However, they also monitor their kids' activities and whom they are spending time with. Cool parents are also very open and honest with their children.
Being a parent is a tough job but being a good one is a lot tougher. So know how to balance things and draw the line between being strict and lenient. It's always nice to be a cool mom and dad without compromising discipline in your home.
