Flexibility cultivates openness, making use of diplomacy in solving differences among children in the family. A flexible parent reduces defiant and stubbornness in the children but a rigid parent encourages stubbornness. As a parent, recognize that your child has rights to family decision. Involve your children in decision making.
Being flexible does not mean that you will encourage a child's bad behaviour. Remember, not every mistake merits scolding. As a parent, find a balance between dominating and accommodating.
BE A MODEL
Modelling means showing and acting the talk for children to copy. Showing example is the most important parenting technique . It is believed that children absorb about ten percent of what you say and ninety percent of what they see you do. Model your child's life in your behaviour. This will shape his or her core values. Children copy their parents' lifestyle more than any other person. As the child's first teacher, your good actions will prepare your child for a happy adulthood.
BE EMPATHETIC
Good parenting is a function of empathy. Empathize with your child's thoughts and feelings. You should understand the body language of your child if your child returns home from school or play, looking quiet anf sulky, know that all is not well. A good parent will try to figure out through empathy what went wrong. Putting yourself in your child's shoe will take away a child's gloomy moments in life even unto adulthood.
BE YOUR CHILD'S FRIEND
Every good parent becomes his or her child's best friend. Talking together, working together, playing together and sharing in the joy of your child builds confidence and friendship in him. A child confides in his parent whom he trusts to be his friend.
Scolding a child at a slighting mistake makes him more stubborn. He sees you as his enemy. To raise a child who respects and fears you, be his close friend.
CONCLUSION AND LESSON
It is true that children are sometimes difficult to control but a proper understanding of their psychological development can give a clue on how to raise them. To raise a total and a responsible child, have a sense of humour, be empathetic, be a model, be flexible, and ultimately, be his close friend. I hope you have learned something here.
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@okokon 