So it’s that time of the year again, when a whole year has rushed past in the blink of an eye. The children are a year older, and we parents need to come up with a whole new set of resolutions to be able to keep up with them. Joking aside, parents today need to keep ourselves updated with our kids needs, and to figure out how to do our best for our kids:

Be more patient: Easier said than done, but most parents would name this virtue as their first need for parenting. Unless we are patient and able to look at a situation calmly, the simplest issue might feel tough to handle. There are many interesting books for parents to read on this subject, one of my favorites being “How to talk so your kids will listen…”

Spend more time: This does not mean just being in the same space as your kids, but actually interacting and spending time with them. I am as guilty as any other parent of succumbing to the need of sitting with a laptop most of the time, even when the kids are around. It really helps to designate a “no gadget” time at home, which is applicable for the kids as well as you.

Make it fun: This could be seen as an aftereffect of being patient too, but I think it’s very important that we take time to make things fun for ourselves and our kids. It is the small memories that are going to stay in their minds, and let’s work on making as many of these beautiful moments as we can.

Mutual respect: The best way for kids to learn to respect those around them, is by receiving that respect themselves when at home. Yes, there will be times when you have to talk strictly to them, but treat them like individuals and they will definitely appreciate it.

Give yourself a break: There are two ways of looking at this one, the first being that you should not beat yourself up over the small mistakes and upsets that happen to all of us. The other aspect being that as parents, we need some clear space and “me” time once in a while too.

I am sure there are many more we can come up with as parents, but these are some of the top ones on my mind.

If you’re looking for ways to creatively engage your child at times you might be busy, do check out our Math and English classes at Aloha. http://www.aloha-usa.com