As Mama, you want to do everything you can to provide the best possible start in life for your child. Fortunately, there are many simple steps you can take to become the best you can be. There are so many evidence-based concepts out there such as being present and engaged with your child during activities to showing respect for yourself and your husband. These tips will help you set the foundation for a strong character building! Remember Mama, great kids start with fostering a great home, and remembering we serve one great God!
Listen to your child
Listening is one of the biggest ways to show respect and understanding for your child. When children feel valued, their sense of emotional security grows. By showing that you truly hear what they have to say, you open up a line of communication with them even when the topic may be difficult to talk about. Let your child know that they can talk to you about anything and actively listen without passing judgment or giving unsolicited advice.
Practice positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to reward good behavior in children. When they do something well, make sure to praise them and let them know that you appreciate their efforts. This encourages them to repeat the behavior, building overall confidence and self-esteem. Incorporating positive reinforcement rather than just punishing bad behavior will create a higher level of trust and respect between you and your child. They will begin to do more of what you praise. Remember, our attention holds great value. If we only address them when they are being inappropriate, we will be inevitably teaching them that to get Mama’s attention you must be bad.
Set clear expectations & routines
Setting expectations for your child and establishing clear routines helps them to understand what you expect from them and reinforces their understanding of acceptable behavior. Make sure to acknowledge when they have done something good, such as completing their chores or following directions. When it comes to setting limits, be sure to communicate them in a loving but firm way. You should also take the time to explain why certain behaviors are not acceptable and discuss how they can do better in the future.
Find out what motivates your child
Finding out what motivates your child can help you in parenting and understanding their behavior. Different activities may motivate different children, so it’s important to experiment and see what works best for them. Rewards, prizes, words of affirmation that are directed towards all your children (as a sibling group) are helpful, but the true benefit is when you find what works individually with each child. When you provide individualized time in an area that they specifically love and enjoy, you will motivate your child to take responsibility for themselves as an individual. The effect will be a harder working child who strives to be their best. I promise, praise and encouragement will work wonders to motivate your little one!
Take time for self-reflection
Taking some time for self-reflection is a great way to improve your parenting skills. Ask yourself questions such as, “Am I being too strict with my child?” or “Is there something else I can be doing to better understand and help my child?” Reflecting on your own actions and the impact of those actions can help you realize what needs improvement and give you a better understanding of how to be the best parent you can be.
Great God, Great Mama
When we spend time with our great God, we want to be a great Mama. Being great isn’t about doing it perfectly, though. It’s accepting that we will try our best, we will put the hard work in when it’s not easy, and will be dedicated and humble in all that we do. It’s apologizing when you fail, and reflecting on how we can be better next time. That is being a great Mama.
Use these tips to be your best, but never forget that you are not defined by your actions. You are not defined by what you do. You are defined by whose you are. You, Mama, are God’s beautiful daughter. You are redeemed, chosen, and deeply loved.
