7 Simple Steps To Successful Parenting

I will stop yelling at the children. I will be organised. I will spend more quality time with the children. The list is endless!! It's only a few weeks into the New Year and all the promises, decisions, resolution or goal have dissolved leaving you feeling like a gigantic failure.

So you want to improve your parenting? Does wanting to improve your parenting imply that you are a bad parent? No! In my opinion that makes you a loving, caring parent who wants become the best parent they can. Do you make mistakes with your children? Yes, but we all do. Why not decide to end the pursuit of perfectionism. Anyone can be a great parent it begins with learning parenting techniques and skills, practicing and refining the skills until they are effective for each child because each child is an individual.

1. Give your children an opportunity to have their say. We all deserve to be listened to respectfully. The children will follow your example and listen more readily if they feel heard.

2. Talk to your children politely. Make no shouting at each other a rule in your house. If the children yell at you speaking in a quieter voice will usually make them reduce their volume.

3. Say 'no' less and decide to use positive language for example, ‘thank you for hanging your clothes up'. Use targeted praise so the children receive positive feedback and know what behaviour is required.

4. Switch the TV off. It's important to have quiet times when the television, computer and music are all switched off. Quiet times provide children with daydreaming time that is vital for developing creativity and imagination. In terms of television less is certainly more. Children who watch less television are more creative, have more vivid imaginations and better concentration spans therefore achieve more at school and in life.

5. Establish a weekly family fun night when all the family spend time playing games, making up scary stories etc. Indulge some old fashioned fun without gadgets and technology. The children will love it and it will unite you as a family.

6. Create me, us and you time. That's right quality time for you. It's vital that there is a distinct:

Me - Make time to pamper yourself it may be something as simple as a luxurious soak in the bath with a magazine.

Us - You and your partner This could be a regular date with you spouse or partner. If finances are a problem a candlelit meal for two at home will rekindle love's flames.

We - The family As well as the weekly family night occasional quality one-to-one times with each parent deepens the bond between parent and child and has the added benefit of increasing self-esteem.

7. The Spiritual dimension. Shared faith is the glue that binds many families together. It is widely acknowledged that shared values, beliefs and life's purpose help young people to feel centred. So spend time either praying together as a family and join other like minded believers.

So in conclusion end your search for perfection, allow your children to have their say, commit to speaking politely and positively to your children, switch off the television, set a weekly family time, create space for quality time with yourself and your partner and finally develop shared spiritual family time whether it's going to church or praying together at home.