For any parent, your goal will always be to make sure you are providing the best for your children. Whether that be the opportunities you give them, the lifestyle you have, or the advice you share, looking out for your family is often a constant juggle. You can make it simpler for yourself by following some of the easy tips below, that can make day-to-day decisions just a little easier as you spin the many plates of parenting.
Lay out set rules for communication
For any parent, achieving the right balance can seem an impossible task. You know the drill; how often should you check up on them? Are you pushy by ringing and checking they’re okay? It can be the hardest thing to give your child space as they get older, and have more independence. A good way to achieve good communication is by giving them a certain amount of trust.
What will this do?
It will show your children you respect their privacy and independence, and in turn, they will understand the importance of giving you their time to reply to a text or call, for example. By establishing this trust, you can set out rules, boundaries, and curfews that they will respond to positively. This is a great way to start looking out for your family without being overbearing.
Keep active as a family
Keeping active as a family is an easy way you can keep your children’s health in check while bonding at the same time. You could allocate a certain amount of time at the weekend for a bike ride, for example, or go swimming once a week. By making sure you create set time for a workout, your children will see for themselves the benefits of keeping fit, and this will stay with them as they get older. All you have to do is find activities the whole family can enjoy.
Remember:
- Be aware of the risks of any activities you undertake; encourage your children to wear a helmet, for example, and be mindful of cycling at night. You can be even further assured by familiarizing yourself with the experts in the field of cycling accident claims should something happen, as it never hurts to be prepared when you are looking out for your family.
It applies to healthy eating, too; the occasional treat is more than acceptable, but try to sort healthy meal plans that the whole family can stick to, so your children have a healthy, balanced diet.
Give them opportunities to show their trust
As your children reach an age of independence, letting go is the best way to keep them safe. This might sound silly, but in any situation, it is better to know what your child is up to rather than a relationship of distrust forming from you being overbearing. For example, if they want to organize a party for their sweet 16th, organize it with them not for them. This way, you can keep track of numbers, and be in the know. The likelihood is they may find a way to throw a party anyway, so make sure it’s on your terms. Your child will respect this, and in turn, be more respectful to you, too.
For those with younger children…
When your child is younger, striking the right balance when it comes to ‘overparenting’ can be tricky. Look for situations where you can establish trust when looking out for your family. For example, if your child asks to ride their bike to school on their own, this can be a great way of showing your child you trust them. It is through small acts and decisions like this that a mutual level of understanding is met. What are the benefits of this, you may ask? Your child will feel more comfortable coming to you when they are going through something and will keep you in the know, as opposed to turning against you at these times.
