How to be a cool yet disciplined Parent


Everybody knows how to raise children, except the people who have them. - P.J. O'Rourke

Being a parent is difficult we all know that but being a cool parent is far more difficult. Ever since in our childhood every one of us at some point in time wants our parents to be cool and understanding as our's friends parent. Didn't you? and thought that when I will become a parent I will be a cool parent, I will always take care of my kid's needs, buy them all the toys they want, take them for outing every weekend etc. etc.

But........ Does it really happen? Ever heard your child saying my friend's mom or dad listens to them, take them for an outing, her parents are too good. It comes to all of us now and then. So, That's the point...Am I like the parent I want to be?  Am I meeting the expectations of my kids?

Every One of us wants to be a star or an idol for our kids. But it's not really happening or you can't be perfect or meet their expectations every time. But by following some parenting tips we can be a cool, good, and somewhat nearly become a perfect parent. How ?... Let's see.....

What is cool parenting?

I've heard many people talk on this 'cool parenting' idea. It's interesting what makes a cool parent in some minds and what society has taught us about being cool. And it's more interesting to know what really makes a cool mom or a cool dad.

Every one has its own definition on this topic. It's not always good sometimes. There are some misconceptions also about being a cool parent. I also heard someone saying "No, I don't want to be a cool parent. These types of parents are always careless and always ends up having a bad attitude kid".
Everybody knows how to raise children, except the people who have them. - P.J. O'Rourke

So, What's actually is a cool parent look likes? As per my thought "A cool parent is one that believes in his child, Always there for them but let them do the things their way, sets boundaries, but allows their children to be themselves, appreciate them, respect their feelings and show them a true path of success and being a good human being in life and who accept them for who they are."

I know now You are thinking, Every statement is contradictory. But it's true. A cool parent is one that changes the definition of being a cool parent with the time and situation according to their kid's needs.

1. Be Friend With Your Kid

The first step of being a cool parent is to be friends with them. Let them know that they can share anything, any type of problem, situation (that they can share with their friends) with you. As you do so soon they will start to open up about any problem going on in their life. But here comes the second tip.

2. Listen to them

Always Listen carefully to your child what they are saying either he is a toddler or a teenager. Don't interrupt them in between, don't give your judgment on any topic but give them suggestions starts with if I were at your place or if I were you or can tell them how you also face such things in your childhood. Trust me half their problems are solved when you listen to them carefully.

3. Involve In their Activities

Spend some time with them either it will be only half an hour or at sleep time whatever fits you. But ask them about how was their day every single day. It is necessary to be involved in their life. ask your toddler also. This will keeps you updated about their interests and their life. You can play with them, get to know their friends or you can also involve them in your day to day activity, whatever you feel spending time with them is the point. Choose at least a day for fun activities with them.


4. Be Calm

whatever be the situation keep your temper normal don't shout or scold them. If you feel like losing temper get off the place for a while and then return back with a calm mind and let them know the solution. you can only understand a child with a calm mind. Scolding a child always result in a rude behavior in child and they started getting away from you or show tantrums.

5. Let them solve their problem 

Dealing with problems is a part of growing up. A child is unprepared for the real world if a parent clears all the path for them. It's important to be alongside them but only as a support.

6. Keep an eye on everything

As we are in a tech world, every parent is more worried about their child's security. I will not recommend you to keep your child away from tech gadgets but keep an eye on everything. The children nowadays are smarter but you are their parents, you should be smarter than them. keep an eye on their social accounts, sites they visits etc. but in a smarter way. many apps are out there in the market. Be one step ahead of your child.

7. Make rules

As a parent you should be strict at some points I agree, but having rules and following them also includes you. Make rules for the family but make everybody agrees to them. Some of them can be

a) Return home at the time, or at least make a call home if you are going to be late and for what reason. this applies to you also as a parent.

b) No mobile time in the home or at least at the dinner table. If you have to attend a business call, attend in front of them. It will also make them attend their calls in front of you and you can be sure that they are not talking to anybody unknown to you.
Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. - James Baldwin
These are my ways, of being a cool parent who listens to their child, support them but at the same time keep them safe and disciplined.
Tell me your ways of being a cool parent as we as a parent will keep learning new ways to deal with our tech era kids.
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