Effective parenting strategies
CHILDREN HAVE a right to effective parenting. Parents – whether by giving birth, adopting or serving as guardians – need support in raising children. Since the dynamics of families change from family to family, effective parenting strategies can only be determined on the needs of the particular family; ‘one shoe does not fit all’. However, there are common principles that could be applied to all.
Each prospective parent must ask some soul-searching questions prior to becoming a parent. What is my state of readiness? Am I mentally ready for parenthood? Am I emotionally prepared to accept, and deal with the challenges of my child should he/she be different or exceptional?
In the early years, parents must pay special attention to the child’s health and wellness. Good nutrition is paramount during this critical developmental period of life.
Effective parenting is affected by the health of the home – the first learning environment of the child ... Is it a safe place for childrearing and development? As the first classroom, am I prepared to make my home a place conducive for learning? As the child’s first and longest serving teacher, it is the parent’s responsibility to set standards, and demonstrate good values.
Within the family, set some time for ‘family time’ each week; eat together, play games, and talk to each other about what is happening. This gives you opportunity to know your child, listen to your child; recognise that they too have a story, and want to be heard. Be your
child’s best friend.
PARTNER WITH SCHOOL
When the child is registered for the next level of socialisation, the parent must partner with the school and be fully engaged in the child’s education. School readiness of a child is the parent’s responsibility. At the school level, be connected! Partner with your child’s teacher and find out what you can do at home to support your child’s learning needs.
At the community level, stay connected! Know how your child could benefit from the available social activities in your community.
Get your child into activities that will strengthen his/her awareness of social responsibility to the community. Encourage your child to get involved in church, youth programmes, clubs, societies, and sporting activities. Be sure that you are there with your child to share in these experiences.
Finally, live a godly life; set your life as an example for your child to follow, an example of moral and righteous living. Live well with your family, your neighbour, your church, and your community. Let your child see in you the person he/she wants to be as he/she grows.