Being a parent is the most important and challening job many adults will have in their lives.

The aim of good parenting is to raise healthy, well-adjusted children who are adequately provided with the skills they will need in adult life. Most adults begintheir parenting careers unprepared for what lies ahead, and learn their parenting skills through trial and error. Many also have high expectations of themselves inregards to how they should feel and cope with being a parent. Unrealistic expectations can lead to feelings of disappointment or inadequacy. Below are somesuggestions to help you manage the challenges that come with being a parent.

Have  realistic  expectations

Have  realistic  expectations of  yourself, your  partner  and  your  child. As  you   continually  learn  to  be  a  parent  and  meet   the  challenges  you  face  everyday,  remind yourself and  learn  as  they  go.  It  can  be  helpful  to check whether  the  parents  of  your  child’sfriends  all  have  similar  expectations  of  their  children.  In  general,  expect  reasonable  behaviour,  but  do  not  expect  perfection.

Share your Parenting roles

Parenting is easier if you are able to work together as a team. To reach agreement over parenting issues, discuss your ideas on issues such as family rules and how to manage misbehaviuor. From time to time you may have to review how things are ging and makesure that workloads are shared.

Look for the warning signs.

It is importnat to look for the signs that indicating that you are not coping well or are struggling with your role as a parent. If you notice any of the following, consider seeking professional help. Frustration, embarassed at your child’s behaviuor, losing your temper or feeling helplessness or out of control.

Key Steps:

Have realistic expectations of your child and yourself

Enjoy your child and spend fun time together

Look after your own needs and take care of your other relationships

Avoid conflict in front of your child – show them how to solve problems calmly

Get support from your family and friends

If you have a partner work together as a parenting team

Look for information and ideas on parenting

If you are concerned about your child’s behaviuor or the way that you are handling certain situations, look for advice and set yourself goals for change

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