8 Steps Parents Can Take to Raise the Best Kid

Childhood is a time of innocence and playfulness, but it can also be a challenging time.

Parents have to work hard in order to ensure that their kids are happy, healthy, and prepared for the future.

In this article we want to talk about 8 steps that you can take as a parent in order to raise the best kid:

1. Create a routine for the family

Children are not robots, so create a routine that leaves ample time for everyone to do their own thing too.

Routine should include family dinners every day at the same time; after dinner, kids can go off on their own hobbies while you spend quality time with your spouse.

Doing this will ensure that the entire family is included in all activities of daily life which means happier children. 

Having routines also helps to make sure that kids know what to expect out of each day (with some flexibility, of course) but they still have something scheduled each night/day depending on how old they are, i.e.: meal times; homework; etc.

The goal here isn't perfect or rigid routine, but a routine that works for your family.

2. Spend quality time with your children

Every day, try to spend time with your kids, either as individuals and as a family.

This can be doing an activity together or just spending some quality one-on-one time where you set aside distractions so that you and your child are totally focused on each other.

Try to hone in on the things that you know your child/children will enjoy; it could mean cooking something they really like for dinner, playing their favorite sport/game, or helping them with a school project/homework lesson which helps, in turn, helps you too!

Spending this "independent" time with children is not only important because of the parent-child connection but also because enjoyable experiences could help them learn how to prioritise themselves in life.

3. Be consistent in discipline

There is nothing worse than a parent who's too permissive (most of us could name at least one...)

Now, it can be tough dealing with "spirited" littles but it's worth the effort because they need to learn what they are/aren't allowed to do, by society's standards.

This means setting clear boundaries on certain types of behavior to nip any future issues in the bud.

Not only will your child appreciate structure as they get older; you'll find them coming back to you for advice when they face struggles outside of home (and because most people like talking about themselves, this opens up great opportunities for bonding!)

You may not always win every battle but sticking to/by your rules shows confidence which builds trust; especially if discipline comes after discussion  and open communication.

The best thing you can do is follow through with discipline in a calm manner which doesn't make your child feel threatened or scared  but instead reinforces their trust in the parent-child relationship!

Discipline isn't always punishment - it's also teaching children how to be empathetic and caring towards others when they see someone else struggling, having a bad day, etc..

4. Listen to your children's concerns and needs

This is an important one because it shows your children you are aware of their world...Just be sure not to pry too much - children don't always want parents involved but if there is real danger (e.g.: bullying) then taking action sooner rather than later could save serious damage/hurt feelings both emotionally and physically.

Not only does this mean listening to them when they have something difficult to talk about, but also just being there for the good times, such as playing a favorite sport or game with them or cheering at school events.

Monitor what media they're consuming (TV shows; music; internet) and make sure the values taught in these mediums align with how you wish for them to act.

For example: violence shown might teach kids that fighting is an effective way solve disputes whereas role models who solve problems with patience and kindness are more likely to inspire your child.

When you're around, make sure that the discussion topics show interest in their life; this can be something as simple as asking what they did at school or how a project went for them etc..

5. Encourage independence by allowing them to make their own decisions, but still laying down the law when needed

There are many benefits to allowing children some independence.

This includes being able to make their own decisions about what clothes they wear, when bedtime is and even deciding on dinner menu but...When you set limits as a parent, you must be 100% consistent with those limits or else your child will begin testing boundaries (which can cause power struggles).

In order for children to respect the rules, they need parents who enforce them no matter what, irrespective of what else is going on.

It's important that your children understand why certain things aren't allowed; this not only builds up good character within them but also gives them an opportunity to problem-solve which empowers them towards critical thinking in adulthood.

Punishment should always fit the crime: if a child is misbehaving in public, pulling them aside and having a chat about their actions being inappropriate might be more effective than yelling at them or allowing others to see you reprimand them - this gives the impression that they have done something wrong which could cause embarrassment later on.

If you have teenagers,  this doesn't mean you can assign all responsibilities/tasks without consulting with them first as treating a teenager the same way you would a small child will, likely, lead to conflict!

Instead, sit down together and discuss what chores need doing around the house every week so everyone knows who's responsible for what.

6. Teach manners at all times

Manners are hugely important because they show respect and empathy towards others.

This means no matter where you and your children are: always say please (and thank you); hold the door open for people; ask how someone is doing etc.. *These small acts of kindness can go a long way when it comes to welcoming strangers into their lives - which, in today's global world, could be very beneficial.

As parents, we should also model good manners ourselves so that our kids have something concrete to follow once they become young adults themselves.

This might mean occasionally saying sorry even if you know you're not at fault or smiling more often than frowning since these actions automatically make us feel better which in turn makes other around us enjoy being around us.

7. Model good behavior

Children learn by example and not always through what we say. It's important that children see their parents as role models because they're more likely to emulate our actions than listening closely to every word we say!

If you want your child/children to be successful, show them how success is achieved.

Doing this will give them something positive and tangible, rather than empty words of encouragement which could lead them down a better path for themselves, instead of becoming discouraged when things don't go well right away.

Being okay with failure is the first step towards greatness so rather than pushing your child/children too hard or discouraging them for making mistakes, let them learn from their actions and let them know that failure is part of the process towards success.

Parents should take every opportunity to teach etiquette in order to raise kids who are both courteous and aware about their surroundings.

Taking time to show children how they can be kinder by holding doors open or saying please/thank you when asking for something etc. helps build up good character traits which will benefit them later on when it comes becoming independent adults themselves!

It's also important parents teach these manners so their children have a solid foundation upon which they can stand--which empowers children toward better self-confidence.

Aspects like this (and many others) go into creating well-rounded individuals; if parents want their kids to be successful in the future, they should set a good example for them while they're young so that children have something concrete to follow when the time comes for them to become independent.

If every parent taught their child how success is achieved through hard work, kindness and empathy - while teaching manners which show respect towards others at all times - then our world might just be a better place to live!

8. Never give up on your kids - love them UNCONDITIONALLY

Even if your child is doing something that seems destructive or harmful to themselves, never give up on them.

There's always a reason why they're acting this way and it may not be immediately evident but by talking with them - instead of punishing harshly, you could find out what the real issue is and help discover ways in which you can work together as a family to overcome their obstacle.

It's important we don't judge too quickly because some kids feel so much pressure from society/others around them that they lash out in anger or sadness.

We all make mistakes sometimes, even when trying our best; there are times when life gets us down no matter how determined we are!

This means parents shouldn't punish their children harshly when they fail but, instead, show them that it's okay to make mistakes as long as we learn something from them.

This way, children have a strong support system around them which helps build up their confidence so that one day they can become independent adults who are also capable of showing empathy towards others rather than being self-centered!

Parents should never give up on their kids no matter how difficult things get because this means there will always be someone willing to help out or guide in the right direction, which is something every child needs at some point in order to grow into a well-rounded adult themselves.

It's important our children know we'll always love them even when times get tough; sometimes kids don't realise why parents punish harshly for certain actions but if we always show love and support no matter what happens, our children will grow up to be more empathetic, independent adults who know how to handle difficult situations with grace.

Wrapping up:

First and foremost, parents need to understand that they're the first and most important influence in their children's lives.

They should be aware of how their actions affect those around them. The way a parent behaves can either help or hinder a child from becoming successful later on in life.

We need to show children the way; guide them to a stage where they can begin to put their own life together by building on the foundation that we, as parents, helped them lay.

We hope these parenting tips help you out - let us know if there's anything else we can do to make things easier for you today :)