“Parenting is hard” that is what you will hear people saying. But is it really hard? This is a big question for both parents and those who are looking forward to being parents.

To be a good parent is a lifelong endeavour that takes time to develop. You will have to keep learning every day. Your kids will teach you a lot about being a good parent that any book in the world. Therefore, to be a good parent, you should open yourself up to learning every day.

If you intend to be a good parent or you’re soon joining parenthood, it is important to ensure that you try as much as possible to be a successful one. Parenting has no second take; therefore, how you handle it in the first instance will determine what your kids will grow up to be.

But what makes a good parent?

Unfortunately, this question will never have a definite answer. It all depends on many factors. A good parent is one who can bring up well-mannered, independent and intelligent kids. These are developed after a long period of consistency and discipline instilled in the children from a young age.

Here are some of the steps you can take to be a good parent:

1. Encourage your kids to speak up

The first and most important process to being a good parent is to allow you kids to speak out about what they feel, need or wish for. This will help the kids to be comfortable around you. A harsh or disciplinarian parent will scare the children away, and instil fear in them instead.

2. Take time to understand things the “childish” way.

Kids have needs. And they would always wish that their needs are satisfied in a particular manner. But from an adult point of view, it may not befit. Therefore, you have to come down, try to fit in their shoes and look at things their way. That way, you will make informed decisions.

3. Lay down the rules early enough.

To avoid conflict of interests, it is good to lay down the rules right out of the bat. That way, the kids will get used to the laid down house rules and will tend to respect them because they found them in existence. As opposed to setting new rules every time the kids do something that you consider as being wrong.

4. Be a close friend to your kids.

A good parent will always be friends with children. Create a friendly atmosphere. Avoid the Parent-children boundaries that that will cause the relationship to drift even further apart as they grow up. In order to be a good parent, you should try as much as possible to share every moment with your kids. That way, your kids will open up more to you. Like they would open up to their best friend at school or place of work.

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