Parenting tips for happy kids (and a happy you!)

We’ve prepared our favorite parenting tips for inspiration and encouragement as you create a happy, healthy home for your family. 

1. Teach your child how to be resilient. Life won't always be perfect, and they'll need to know the importance of bouncing back.

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Help your kids learn and grow from setbacks and challenges. 

2. Children are human and make mistakes. Be patient with them while they're still learning.

Perfectionism is incredibly harmful to kids. Choose to be patient and understanding instead of frustrated when they inevitably make mistakes. 

3. Create a supportive family culture. You're a team.

Let your kids know who their biggest cheerleaders are! There will be times, especially in adolescence, when your kids may feel isolated or like everyone is against them. Remind them that family is always there, supporting and encouraging them. 

4. Always be your child's biggest advocate. Speak up for them even while you're teaching them to speak up for themselves.

It’s important to teach your kids how to advocate for themselves. But while they’re still little or still learning, they need to know that you’ll be there to defend them. 

5. Let your kids know that they can come to you with their problems, free of judgment or punishment. You want them to trust you with their troubles, not hide them from you.

One of the most rewarding moments you may feel as a parent is when your child finds themselves in a difficult situation and turns to you for help. But that’ll only happen if you’ve proven that you’re there to support them, not criticize them or give them consequences.

6. In times of stress, your children will reflect your energy. Stay calm and unruffled.

Children are emotional sponges, soaking up all the vibes around them. One of the most effective things you can do when you need them to be calm is to make sure your energy is peaceful. 

7. Be respectful of your children's emotions and feelings, so they'll keep expressing them even as they grow older.

No matter how young they are, your children’s feelings are worthy of respect and consideration. Accept them, and you’ll create a safe space for your child to express themselves. 

8. As your kids get older, discuss what a healthy relationship looks like. Teach your child about respect and boundaries.

Regardless of your own relationship status, teach your kids how to develop relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and consideration.

9. Love them harder on their worst days.

Kids are going to have some of their roughest days at home, where they feel safe to let out their emotions. Now is the time to show them what unconditional love looks like, even while disciplining unacceptable behaviors. 

10. Kids are always watching and learning. The way you speak and behave is the way they'll speak and behave.

The easiest way to raise polite, well-mannered children is to be a polite, well-mannered adult. 

11. What seems like a small issue to you can be huge to them. Listen when they tell you about what's going on in their lives.

Kids don’t really have a concept of what may or may not matter in the long run. To them, every event is a “big deal.” Listen to them when they come to you with the little things, because they matter to your kids.

12. Prioritize open communication. Encourage honest conversations without judgment.

This becomes more and more important as your kids get older. If you punish or criticize them when they communicate, they’ll eventually learn to stop communicating with you. Approach your kids with an open mind. 

13. Validate your child's feelings, even if you don't necessarily feel the same way.

It’s only natural that you and your child won’t see eye-to-eye on every situation or experience. But you can still be respectful of their feelings and opinions, and teach them to be respectful of yours. 

14. Take care of yourself. A happy parent is a good parent.

It’s tempting to make your child the center of your Universe. But that doesn’t mean you have to ignore yourself and your needs. You’ll be a better parent when you’re relaxed and happy.

15. Encourage your children to try new things. Remind them that mistakes are part of life, and failures aren't permanent.

Kids sometimes shun new experiences, from talking to a new classmate to trying a new sport, from fear of getting it wrong and (in their minds) failing. Encourage them to be brave and that it’s never too late to try again.

16. Parents aren't perfect. Allow yourself to grow and evolve, just as your child does.

Be kind to yourself! Parenting is a lifelong journey. And if you’re doing it right, you’ll be constantly learning and growing. 

17. Nurture your child's ties to other family members. Encourage them to call or video chat with grandparents, cousins, etc.

Close family ties can help your child feel accepted, supported, and loved. Foster those ties with family events or communications, so your child sees just how big their support system is.

18. When your child makes a mistake, teach them how to apologize properly. When you make mistakes, teach them how to accept an apology and forgive.

Nobody is perfect. Teach your child how to apologize and make amends by doing the same yourself. 

19. Talk to your child about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Encourage them to make friends with all sorts of people, not just people who act, think, and talk like them.

Your child will meet so many different people in their lifetime. Show them the beauty of forming friendships with a diverse group of people, who can broaden your child’s mind and share new experiences and perspectives. 

20. Be there for your child's little moments, too.

Someday, your child will remember who was always there for them. Make sure that’s you.

21. Get to know your kids as individuals. Learn who they are and who they dream of becoming.

Avoid giving your child labels or stereotyping them. Be curious about the many facets of their personality.

22. The patterns you set now will be difficult to break. Pick your routines carefully.

In other words, “start as you mean to go on.” 

23. Help your child develop an "attitude of gratitude" by spending time together each day going over the things you're thankful for.

It’s never too soon to teach your child how to practice gratitude. And doing it together turns it into a beautiful bonding moment. 

24. Practice active listening and show genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings.

Make sure your children know they’re more important than your phone or any other distractions. Really listen when they talk, ask questions, and give them your uninterrupted attention.

25. Create a morning routine that works for everyone. Give your child the time they need to get ready without feeling rushed.

The way you spend your morning sets the tone for your day. Make sure it’s stress-free and peaceful.

Final Thoughts 

Raising kids is both the toughest and the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. But you’ve got this! 

Just remember, every child is an individual and every family is unique. While these parenting tips are meant for guidance, they might not suit your family or situation. Always adapt parenting advice the way you feel fits you!

And if you need more parenting tips—or any other tips— download the Motivation app. Our tips section has all the advice to help you navigate life with success, peace, and positivity.