Skills Needed for Parenting

Most adults can make babies, but there are special skills needed for parenting. As your child grows, you need different skills to help your child mature and develop. If being a good parent is important to you, learn which skills help you raise a well-adjusted, respected, healthy child.

  1. Patience

    • As a parent, practice patience from the minute you find out you are pregnant. Thankfully, in most cases, you have nine months to do this. Once your baby arrives, patience becomes even more important. His crying will try you, along with his strong will, toddler independence and temper tantrums. As he ages, your patience will again be pushed to the limit with endless questions of "why" and "how come." Responding with a gentle patience teaches your child appropriate ways to react when he is faced with frustration and annoyance.

    Communication

    • Having good communication skills is important in every relationship, but it is vital when it comes to parenting. With small children, be specific with your directions, but not in a demanding or demeaning way. Instead of saying, "Tidy your room," say, "Please put your cars in the red bin and your blocks in the blue bin." As your child gets older and starts to engage you in conversation, listen at least as much as you talk.

    Coping

    • You have days as a parent when nothing goes as planned. Instead of losing it, find safe and simple ways to accept the interruptions and detours in a gracious manner. Your child learns to manage her behavior by watching you manage yours. Acknowledge your feelings and move forward. Moping, pouting and falling apart will not help your child.

    First Aid

    • Cleaning a small cut does not require a medical degree.

      Children get scraped, bruised and sprained. Rather than running yours to the emergency room every time he gets a boo-boo, learn how to tend to the minor injuries. Take a community first aid class, get a book or attend a refresher course. Your child will also likely have at least one ear infection, a case of lice and a rash. Learn when to take him to the doctor and when you can treat an ailment at home.

    Empathy

    • Kids have it tough. Many of them argue with their best friends or have an enemy in school. Kids can be sensitive to comments or lack thereof, so when your child has a rough moment, be there for her. You do not need to solve her problems, but listen and let her know you are sorry she is upset. Try to understand why she is so hurt, sad, angry or bitter, and show her you support her.

    Financial

    • Children are not cheap, and the better prepared you are financially the easier it will be to raise yours. Even if you do not have thousands of dollars saved, learn how to make a budget and stick with it. Your child will likely have some unexpected doctor's visits, extracurricular activities, school supplies and a need for the latest fashion. He will also need medical and dental insurance and food in the fridge. Kids' financial needs change and grow as they do.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Parent Volunteer Etiquette
      A child benefits from parental involvement in school in a variety of ways, including higher test scores and grades, improved attendance and a more positive attitude, according to the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. The teachers also be
    • How to Reuse Kids' Clothes
      Kids can outgrow clothing at an alarming rate, leading to a large accumulation of used clothing. As the outgrown clothing piles up, consider various ways in which you can reuse your children’s clothing. Instead of simply discarding the clothes
    • Anxiety Caused by Parental Stress
      Providing a calm, safe and loving home is extremely important for a child’s development. Stress is not only harmful to your health, but your stress also affects your children. Kids can see or feel their parents’ stress, which causes stres