There are many, many ways to be a fantastic parent, and I don’t pretend to know the “right” way because it is just as much an art as it is a science. In this post, you’ll get a list of 50 of the best parenting tips that you can use as a resource guide to help you show up as the mom you want to be, regardless of what your situation is. This is such an empowering place to parent from!
And with that, let’s dive in.
The Best Parenting Tips
Here’s a list of 40 of the best parenting tips to show up as the mom you want to be.
1. Come from love. When you show up feeling love for yourself, your child, and your family, you parent better. This doesn’t mean you’re always perfect, nor does it mean your kids are always happy. It means that you have love in your heart.
2. Validate your kids’ feelings. Whatever your kids are feeling is valid. The feeling is real. Even if you have a toddler who is melting down because you won’t let her drink toilet bowl cleaner. The feeling is what you’re validating. You’re saying, “yes, I see you’re upset and that is valid.” When you hold space to let your kids feel how they want, you give them space to be themselves.
3. Hold boundaries. Holding boundaries means consistently enforcing rules and guidelines, even when it’s challenging. It’s about teaching your kids that certain behaviors are not acceptable and that actions have consequences. This doesn’t mean being rigid or unkind; instead, it’s about being firm yet compassionate. Children thrive when they know what to expect, and clear boundaries help them feel safe and secure, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-discipline.
Related: Download the Tantrum Guide to learn how to hold boundaries and stay calm with your kids.
4. Adopt the mindset, “we’re on the same team.” Approaching parenting with the mindset that you and your child are on the same team can transform your relationship. Instead of viewing challenges as battles, see them as opportunities for collaboration. This perspective encourages mutual respect and cooperation. When your child knows that you are working together towards a common goal, it fosters trust and openness. It also helps to reduce power struggles, as your child feels supported rather than opposed. Remember, the goal is to guide and support your child, not to control them. By working as a team, you can navigate challenges more effectively and build a stronger, more connected relationship.
5. Model what it’s like to feel your feelings. Children learn a lot from observing their parents, and one of the most important lessons you can teach them is how to handle emotions. By modeling healthy emotional expression, you show your children that it’s okay to have feelings and that they are a natural part of life. This means demonstrating how to express joy, sadness, anger, and frustration in appropriate ways. When you show your children that you can acknowledge and process your feelings, you provide them with a powerful example. They learn that emotions are not something to be feared or suppressed, but rather experienced and understood. This helps them develop emotional intelligence and resilience.
6. Normalize failure. Failure is an inevitable part of life, and it’s important for children to learn that it’s okay to fail. By normalizing failure, you help your kids understand that mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning. Encourage them to take risks and try new things, emphasizing that it’s not the end of the world if things don’t go as planned. Share your own experiences with failure and what you learned from them. This helps to reduce the fear of failure and builds resilience. When children see that failure is a part of the process, they are more likely to persevere and develop a growth mindset, understanding that they can learn and improve from every experience.
7. Play the feelings game. At night, go around in a circle and name the top three feelings you each felt during the day. This normalizes all feelings and allows your kids the opportunity to share and feel seen. It also helps them increase their awareness of feelings so they’re more emotionally aware.
8. Get good at repair. No parent is perfect, and mistakes are inevitable. What matters most is how you handle these mistakes. Getting good at repair means acknowledging when you’ve messed up, apologizing sincerely, and making amends. This teaches your children that it’s okay to make mistakes and that relationships can be mended through honest communication and effort. When you model the process of repairing a relationship, you show your kids the importance of accountability and forgiveness. This strengthens your bond and fosters a healthy, respectful family environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
9. Stay calm (don’t yell). Staying calm, especially in challenging situations, can be incredibly difficult but immensely beneficial. Yelling can create fear and resentment, leading to a breakdown in communication. When you remain calm, you model emotional regulation and demonstrate how to handle stress effectively. Calmness fosters a peaceful environment where children feel safe to express themselves and learn from their mistakes. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts before responding. This not only helps you maintain control but also teaches your children that staying calm is a powerful tool in managing emotions and resolving conflicts.
Related: Enroll in the Mom On Purpose Free Course to learn how to get tools to help you show up as the mom you want to be!
10. Have a collaborative approach. Involve your children in decision-making processes whenever possible. This collaborative approach empowers them and makes them feel like valued members of the family. Whether it’s planning a family outing or setting household rules, listening to their opinions and incorporating their ideas fosters a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Collaboration teaches your children that their voices matter and helps them develop problem-solving and negotiation skills. By working together, you also build trust and mutual respect, creating a supportive family dynamic where everyone contributes and feels heard.
11. Connection before your correct. Before addressing a child’s behavior, focus on establishing a connection. When children feel understood and valued, they are more receptive to guidance and correction. Take a moment to empathize with their feelings and perspective before offering advice or setting boundaries. This approach reinforces the idea that your relationship with them is more important than their behavior. It helps to calm emotions and opens the door for more effective communication. By prioritizing connection, you create a nurturing environment where children feel safe to grow and learn from their experiences.
12. Prioritize one-on-one time. Spending quality one-on-one time with each of your children is crucial for building strong, individual relationships. This dedicated time allows you to connect on a deeper level, understand their unique personalities, and show them that they are special and important to you. Whether it’s reading together, playing a game, or just talking about their day, this focused attention helps to strengthen your bond and fosters a sense of security and self-worth. One-on-one time also provides opportunities to address any concerns or issues they might be facing, reinforcing their confidence and trust in you as a parent.
13. Carve out family time. In today’s busy world, it’s essential to carve out dedicated family time. This means setting aside regular periods where the entire family can come together, free from distractions like work, school, and screens. Whether it’s a weekly game night, a Sunday dinner, or a family outing, these moments strengthen the family bond and create lasting memories. Prioritizing family time helps to nurture a sense of unity and belonging, giving everyone a chance to connect, communicate, and enjoy each other’s company. These shared experiences are crucial for building a supportive and loving family environment.
14. Have family-oriented values. Establishing and living by family-oriented values provides a strong foundation for your children’s development. These values might include kindness, respect, honesty, and responsibility. Clearly communicating and consistently modeling these values helps your children understand what is important and guides their behavior. When the whole family shares and practices these values, it creates a cohesive and supportive environment. Family-oriented values also give children a sense of identity and belonging, helping them to navigate the world with a clear moral compass.
15. Don’t judge yourself based on your kid’s happiness or performance. It can be tempting to measure your success as a parent by your child’s happiness or achievements, but this can lead to unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations. Children go through various phases and face their own challenges, and their mood or performance is not a direct reflection of your parenting. Instead, focus on providing love, support, and guidance. Understand that each child is unique and will have their own path. By not tying your self-worth to their successes or failures, you create a healthier dynamic where your child feels free to be themselves and learn at their own pace.
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16. Give yourself time-outs (but not your kids). As a parent, it’s essential to take care of your own well-being. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed, giving yourself a time-out can help you regain composure and perspective. This means taking a few minutes to step away, breathe deeply, and calm down before addressing a situation. Unlike punitive time-outs for kids, these breaks are about self-care and preventing escalation. By managing your own stress effectively, you model healthy coping strategies for your children. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary for being the best parent you can be.
17. Teach your kids about money. Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that can be taught from a young age. Introduce your children to basic concepts like saving, spending, and budgeting. Use everyday experiences, like grocery shopping or planning a family vacation, to discuss money management. Encourage them to save part of their allowance or earnings from chores for future goals. Teaching kids about money helps them understand its value and how to make informed financial decisions. This foundation will benefit them throughout their lives, fostering independence and responsibility as they learn to navigate their finances wisely.
18. Believe in your kids’ dreams. Supporting your children’s dreams, no matter how big or small, shows that you have faith in their abilities and aspirations. Encourage them to pursue their passions and interests, and provide the resources and support they need to explore these areas. Your belief in their potential boosts their confidence and motivates them to achieve their goals. Listen to their ideas, celebrate their successes, and help them navigate setbacks. By believing in their dreams, you empower them to strive for greatness and to believe in themselves, fostering a sense of self-worth and resilience.
19. Don’t pretend to know everything. As a parent, it’s okay not to have all the answers. Admitting when you don’t know something teaches your children that learning is a lifelong process. It also encourages them to seek knowledge and ask questions without fear of judgment. When faced with a question you can’t answer, use it as an opportunity to explore the topic together. This approach fosters curiosity and a love for learning in your children. It also builds an environment of mutual respect and humility, where everyone feels comfortable admitting their limitations and eager to learn more.
Related: Access all the best blog posts for living life more purposefully as a mom here: Mom On Purpose Blog
20. Don’t take things personally. Children, especially when they are young, often express their frustrations and emotions in ways that can seem hurtful or disrespectful. It’s important to remember that their behavior is not a reflection of your worth as a parent. Instead of taking their outbursts personally, try to understand the underlying emotions and address those. This mindset allows you to respond with empathy and patience, rather than defensiveness or anger. By not taking things personally, you maintain a calm and supportive presence, which helps your children feel safe and understood even when they are struggling with their emotions.
21. Teach your kids generosity. Generosity is a valuable trait that benefits both the giver and the receiver. Teach your children the importance of giving by involving them in acts of kindness and charity. This can include donating toys, volunteering at local charities, or simply helping a friend in need. Encourage them to think about how they can make a positive impact on others. By modeling and practicing generosity, you help your children develop empathy and compassion. They learn that giving can bring joy and fulfillment, fostering a sense of community and connection with others.
22. Help your kids build resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. Help your children develop this vital skill by encouraging them to face difficulties head-on and learn from their experiences. Provide support and guidance, but allow them to solve problems on their own as much as possible. Praise their efforts and persistence rather than just the outcomes. Teach them that failure is a natural part of life and an opportunity to grow. Building resilience helps your children become more confident and capable, preparing them to handle whatever life throws their way with grace and determination.
23. Show your kids what it’s like to work through challenges with other people. Collaboration and teamwork are essential skills for navigating life’s challenges. Demonstrate to your children how to work effectively with others by involving them in group activities and projects. Show them how to communicate clearly, listen actively, and compromise when necessary. Discuss any conflicts that arise and how they can be resolved respectfully and constructively. By modeling positive interactions and problem-solving techniques, you help your children understand the value of cooperation and the benefits of working together towards a common goal.
24. Normalize challenges. Challenges and difficulties are a natural part of life. Normalize this reality by openly discussing the obstacles you face and how you overcome them. Share stories of famous individuals who have persevered through hardships to achieve success. This helps your children understand that everyone encounters difficulties and that these experiences are opportunities for growth and learning. By normalizing challenges, you reduce the stigma and fear associated with them, encouraging your children to face their own challenges with a positive and proactive mindset.
25. Teach your kids that they’re good inside. Children need to know that they are inherently good and worthy of love and respect. Reinforce this belief by acknowledging their positive qualities and actions. Avoid labeling them negatively based on their behavior; instead, separate the behavior from their identity. For example, instead of saying, “You’re being bad,” say, “That behavior is not okay.” This approach helps your children understand that while their actions may sometimes be inappropriate, they themselves are still good and capable of making positive choices. Fostering this belief builds their self-esteem and encourages them to act in alignment with their values.
Related: Download 200 Affirmations For Kids here.
26. Talk about how to take care of your body with your kids. Educating your children about taking care of their bodies is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Discuss the importance of nutritious eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and good hygiene. Make these conversations age-appropriate and interactive. Involve them in meal planning and preparation, encourage physical activities they enjoy, and establish routines that promote healthy habits. Teaching your children to take care of their bodies helps them develop a positive relationship with their health and instills lifelong habits that contribute to their physical and emotional well-being.
27. Practice positive “you are” statements with your kids. Positive affirmations can significantly boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Use statements like “You are kind,” “You are capable,” and “You are loved” to reinforce their positive qualities and strengths. These affirmations help shape their self-perception and encourage them to believe in themselves. Regularly expressing positive “you are” statements creates a supportive and uplifting environment where your child feels valued and recognized for who they are. This practice helps them internalize a positive self-image, which is crucial for their emotional and mental well-being.
28. Teach your kids the value of both honesty and kindness. Honesty and kindness are essential values that often go hand-in-hand. Teach your children that being truthful is important, but it should always be delivered with kindness. Encourage them to speak the truth, even when it’s difficult, and to consider others’ feelings when doing so. Role-play scenarios to demonstrate how to be honest without being hurtful. Reinforce that it’s possible to be both honest and kind, and that these values build trust and strong relationships. By teaching this balance, you help your children develop integrity and empathy, which are foundational for their interactions and relationships.
29. Remember to play and be silly. Play and silliness are vital components of childhood and help build strong parent-child bonds. Make time to engage in playful activities with your kids, whether it’s playing games, telling jokes, or having impromptu dance parties. Being silly together allows you to connect on a deeper level and shows your children that it’s okay to let loose and have fun. These moments of joy and laughter create cherished memories and foster a sense of security and happiness. Play also promotes creativity, problem-solving, and social skills, making it an essential part of healthy development.
30. Spend one-on-one time with each child. Spending individual time with each of your children helps you build unique, personal relationships with them. This one-on-one time allows you to focus on their specific interests, needs, and concerns without the distractions of daily life or sibling dynamics. It can be as simple as a walk, a meal together, or a special outing. This dedicated time shows your children that they are important and valued as individuals. It strengthens your bond and provides opportunities for deeper communication and understanding, fostering a sense of security and closeness.
31. Don’t expect your kids to meet your needs. As a parent, it’s essential to recognize that your children are not responsible for fulfilling your emotional needs. It’s natural to derive joy and fulfillment from your relationship with your kids, but expecting them to meet your needs can place undue pressure on them. Instead, seek support and fulfillment through adult relationships, hobbies, and self-care activities. By maintaining a healthy balance, you allow your children to grow and develop independently without the burden of your expectations. This approach fosters a more balanced and healthy family dynamic, where your children feel free to be themselves and explore their own paths.
32. Let your kids be who they want to be. Supporting your children in becoming their true selves is one of the most important aspects of parenting. Encourage them to explore their interests, passions, and identities, even if they differ from your own expectations or societal norms. Celebrate their uniqueness and provide a safe space for them to express themselves freely. By allowing your children to be who they want to be, you nurture their confidence and self-worth. This acceptance fosters a strong sense of identity and helps them develop into well-rounded, authentic individuals who are comfortable in their own skin.
33. Teach your kids how to keep a home. Practical life skills, such as maintaining a clean and organized home, are essential for your children’s independence and self-sufficiency. Involve them in household chores and teach them how to cook, clean, do laundry, and manage basic home maintenance. These tasks can be age-appropriate and gradually increase in complexity as they grow. Teaching your kids how to keep a home instills a sense of responsibility and pride in their living environment. It also prepares them for adulthood, ensuring they can manage their own households effectively in the future.
34. Model continued growth and learning. Show your children that learning and growth are lifelong processes by actively engaging in new experiences and educational pursuits yourself. Read books, take up new hobbies, attend workshops, or pursue further education. Discuss what you’re learning and the challenges you’re facing with your children. This modeling demonstrates that it’s never too late to grow and evolve. It encourages a growth mindset in your kids, inspiring them to remain curious and open to new opportunities throughout their lives. Your example helps them understand the value of continuous improvement and adaptability.
Related: Listen to the Mom On Purpose With Natalie Bacon Podcast.
35. Notice negative judgments you have of your kids and change them. It’s natural to have judgments, but being aware of negative judgments about your children and working to change them is crucial for their self-esteem and your relationship. Reflect on any critical thoughts or labels you may have unconsciously placed on your children. Replace these judgments with more understanding and compassionate perspectives. Focus on their strengths and positive qualities, and offer constructive feedback instead of criticism. By changing negative judgments, you create a more supportive and nurturing environment where your children feel valued and understood. This positive approach helps them thrive and fosters a stronger, more loving parent-child connection.
36. Don’t “should” on your kids. Using “should” statements with your kids can create pressure and feelings of inadequacy. Phrases like “You should do this” or “You should be like that” imply that they are not good enough as they are. Instead, encourage and guide them by offering choices and support. Use positive language that empowers them to make decisions and develop their own sense of self. For example, instead of saying “You should study harder,” try “Let’s find a study method that works best for you.” This approach fosters a sense of autonomy and confidence, helping your children feel respected and understood.
37. Give your kids a happy mom. Your well-being is essential to your children’s happiness and development. Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, spending time with friends, or simply taking a break to recharge, taking care of yourself allows you to be a more present and positive parent. When your children see you happy and fulfilled, they learn the importance of self-care and balance. A happy mom creates a nurturing and joyful environment, helping your children feel secure and loved.
38. Model healthy eating and exercising. Children learn by observing their parents’ behaviors. By modeling healthy eating and regular physical activity, you instill these important habits in your children. Make nutritious meals together, encourage them to try a variety of foods, and engage in family activities that promote fitness, such as walking, biking, or playing sports. Discuss the benefits of a balanced diet and regular exercise for overall health and well-being. By leading by example, you help your children develop a positive relationship with food and physical activity, setting the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
39. Take care of your own mental and emotional health. Your mental and emotional health directly impacts your ability to parent effectively. Make time for activities that support your well-being, such as mindfulness practices, therapy, journaling, or talking with trusted friends. Recognize and address any signs of stress, anxiety, or depression. By prioritizing your mental health, you can better manage the challenges of parenting and maintain a stable, supportive environment for your children. This also teaches them the importance of self-awareness and seeking help when needed, promoting their emotional resilience and well-being.
Related: Click here to download the top 13 podcasts for moms to live more purposefully—Podcast Directory.
40. Know your family’s “North Star.” Identify and articulate your family’s core values and guiding principles—your “North Star.” These might include values like love, respect, kindness, integrity, or perseverance. Use these values to guide your decisions, actions, and interactions as a family. Regularly discuss and reinforce these principles to ensure everyone understands and strives to uphold them. Knowing your family’s North Star provides a sense of purpose and direction, helping to navigate challenges and make choices that align with your collective vision. This shared sense of values strengthens family unity and creates a cohesive, supportive environment where everyone feels connected and committed to common goals.
A Final Note
Parenting is a journey filled with challenges and rewards, requiring patience, love, and continuous growth. By incorporating these 40 tips into your daily routine, you can foster a nurturing and supportive environment that empowers your children to thrive. Remember, no parent is perfect, and it’s the effort and intention behind your actions that truly matter. Embrace the journey, cherish the moments, and know that each step you take contributes to raising resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals.
Here’s to creating a loving family dynamic where everyone feels valued and understood, and where each day is an opportunity for growth and connection!
