10 Tips for Being a Better Parent ...

I can't stress how important smiling is especially in the morning. How you start your day is pretty important. Help your children start their day out cheerfully, every day. When you wake them up for school, do it in a singing voice along with a smile upon your face. Sure, you may be irritated and stressed out about work, but don’t show it.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day especially when it comes to growing children. Help your child's day start well by providing him with a healthy breakfast each morning. By doing this, your child is going to have better focus as they will be going to school with a full stomach. You want to make them healthy and this is the way to go.

When you were a child, were your parents thoughtful? Did they show you how much you meant to them? Irrespective of whether they did or no, do this for your children. Try packing their lunch with a love note or a treat they love eating. Drop something off at the school office for them. Bake their favorite cookies or brownies just because... Surprises are always good gestures to show your child how much you care about them.

One of the best things a parent could do is be there when the children get home. Personally, I like picking my daughter up from school. I provide the transportation for her. I am able to do this because I work at home and have my own hours. Understandably, a lot of you are working moms and can't do the same. In which case, I'd suggest making more time for them during the weekends.

When they get home from school, show interest in the child. As them how their day was. When they speak, really listen to them. Part of being a good parent involves knowing when there is something that your child is not telling you.

If you really want them to succeed and you want to be a good parent, then help them with their homework. Make sure your child feels confident about themselves, educationally as well as in other parts of their life. You will not know if they are struggling, unless you have an active interest.

Not only should you make dinner for your child, but you should sit down at the same table and eat it with them. This will help you become a better parent. It will also ensure that you know where the child is and that they are doing good. You will also know that they are eating the right foods.

Spending time as a family is important. For me, I like playing video games with my daughter as well as ball games outside or maybe even a walk on the beach with her. Try doing what you children want to do occasionally. Have fun with them! You have no idea what fun games their little minds can cook up.

Each night, tuck them into bed. Even teenagers should be tucked in and by that I don't mean do a whole routine with songs, stories, prayers or anything, just take a couple of minutes to say goodnight and turn out the lights.

You definitely have to keep the children safe. There are so many child abductions that could have been prevented if the parent took that extra time to watch their children. When my child is at home, I never let her out of my sight and I always hold her hand in public. You should also make sure your home is safe for the child and don’t leave him/her along with the family pet as the child could aggravate the pet.

There are many other tips for being a better parent. I recommend you putting your hardest into it. Don’t think of it as a job, think of it as something you like to do, because it should be just that. Being a parent is very rewarding, trust me. You get to see everything from their first smile and beyond. How are you a good parent? What do you do every day to be a better one?