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Life is about making mistakes and then learning from them. We all make mistakes, that’s human we can’t help it. But forgetting about them and not learning from them is not a good idea. What is a better time than a new year to put these learnings into action? You might already be ready with your long list of resolutions for the coming year but can we make a few additions to it?
Being a parent you have more responsibilities, looking after the home, kids and work. This cocktail can at times becomes tough to handle which leads to inaccuracy. There is no harm in committing mistakes, parenting is a job that requires practice. But as a parent, we should always try to learn from these bloopers and attempt to rectify them. So let's all make certain changes in our life as a parent to live the true spirit of New Year!
Avoid Comparing
We parents are often in a bad habit of comparing our kids with others. We all have said things like, “Why can’t you score like your brother?” or “You should also play piano like the neighbor”. But have we ever wondered why we want this from our kid? Why should she score like her brother when she has a different brain? Why will your kid learn to play the piano when her interest lies in painting? Every kid is differently wired, with distinct interests and needs, then how can we compare them? The comparing doesn't end here. We have a tendency to compare ourselves with the ‘perfect’ parents. They have different situations to deal with, they are not like us. This comparing has to stop now, right from the start of 2017!
Don’t Be Judgmental
This is another thing that knowingly or unknowingly, many parents are involved in. You saw that girl at school always wearing full sleeves clothes. Just by looking at her, how can you make a judgment about her mother that she is conservative and orthodox? Maybe the girl has a skin sensitivity that causes a burn when exposed to the sun. You just simply stared at her and passed comments. Your judgmental stares have caused her so much distress in addition to what she is already facing. This behavior will have to stay in 2016 and not come along next year!
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Office Stays In Office
Working parents have a dual responsibility of managing their work and family. They are being sandwiched between the two roles. We totally understand that they have to work to earn for the family. But a family needs your time and emotional support in addition to financial one. Try as much as possible to not bring your work and office stress, home with you. Come back home to your kids with a smile and spend quality time with them. Play, eat, read and sleep together and restrict work to office hours as much as you can!
Practice Patience
Parenting is a sure test of patience. Many a time you will find yourself boiling at your child’s blunders. When you find that your kid has broken your precious glassware, you are likely to bring the house down with your screaming. But this habit needs to go away before you step into 2017. Instead of shouting at your kids, look for alternatives to calm you down first. Try counting 10 to 1, drinking a glass of water or lock yourself in a room and take deep breaths. Cool down first and then confront your kids about their mistake. Chances are they will receive your advice well this way as compared to your shouts. Practice yoga and meditation to increase your patience, it’ll go a long way!
Also Read: 6 Things to NEVER Say To Your Child
Time Off
Parents mostly put their kids as a priority and sacrifice their wishes for them. Though this might seem like a great parenting achievement but in the long run, this is not going to help you. Repeatedly curbing your desires will only add on to your irritation and frustration. For a long lasting happy parenting experience, it is must give yourself some time away from your kids. So plan a date with your spouse now. Go for a movie or a lunch and bond together like the good old days. Treat yourself to some me time by going to a spa or a hair cutting session. Take time out to do what you wish to. Your kids will eventually learn to give you some space and respect your boundaries!
The year is going and it's the best time to let go of the parenting blunders you’ve been making. Your New Year Resolution list is going to get long and it's only for your family’s good. Just small efforts from your side and you are close to experiencing the bliss of having a loving family!
