6 NLP parenting techniques that can make you a better parent

Bringing up a child is one of the most fulfilling and toughest jobs in the world. It might also be one of the jobs that catch you off guard as everything and anything about being a parent is challenging. If you’re a confused parent, here are six effective NLP techniques that will help you in having a rewarding child-rearing experience.

Boost your child’s self-esteem

A child starts developing their sense of self right from infancy as they see themselves through their parents’ eyes. Everything from your body language to your facial expressions and tone of voice is observed by children. Thus, the initial responsibility of making a child feel good about themselves falls on the parents. Complimenting their wins, however small, will make them feel proud while instilling confidence in them. Another seminal step is building a set of positive vocabulary that will help you avoid making loaded statements like “what a stupid thing to do!” or “Why do you cry so much?”. Choosing the right phrases and words of compassion will let your kids know that it is okay to make mistakes while hinting that you don’t like their behaviour.

Catch kids being good

Oftentimes, a parent’s mind is wired to find fault in their child. For starters, you could compare the number of times you react negatively and positively to your child in a given day. Criticising happens more than complimenting and this might be doing more harm than you think. A better way to treat your kids will be to catch them doing something right and compliment them rightly: “You made the bed without being told to–that’s superb!” or “I was watching you taking care of your sister and you were very patient.” These statements, which acknowledge the good behaviour in your child, will encourage them to do more good deeds.

Set limits and be consistent

Parents always strive to establish the goals of discipline in their household. It is important to lay boundaries and be consistent with your parenting principles. Communicating the limits and expectations clearly within the household is another aspect of parenting.

Make time for your children

Parenting principles do not work if the parent is absent from the scene. If you are conscious about how you parent your child, it is important that you make space and time for them, no matter what. After all, children are a huge responsibility that demands your quality time and best behaviour. If you are busy with work and other responsibilities, you will have to push and be creative in finding time for the family.

Be someone the child can look up to

Your child learns a lot by watching their parents. Before you lash out at your partner in front of your child, you should keep in your mind that they may be taking cues from you on how to behave in similar circumstances in future. Always behave in a way that your child sees you as a role model.

Be flexible with your parenting style

After having watched a lot of videos and read umpteen articles on parenting, it is only natural that one may feel overwhelmed as to how to behave with children. Sometimes, parents may even end up being rigid in their ways of teaching discipline to their children. The only way to overcome this is to be self-aware of your parenting ways and know when to be flexible. After all, children aren’t machines and come with their own set of emotions and characters.