Whoever said parenting is easy never had children. Like anything else in life, expertise comes with experience, and raising kids is no different. Proper parenting takes practice, and our skills develop with time. Of course, there are steps you can take to improve your technique. The first step is to make yourself number one. If you aren't at the top of your game, what good are you going to be to anyone else?{relatedarticles}Eat right. Get enough sleep. Exercise. Consult with your physician on a regular basis. Enjoy some me time. When you're taking good care of yourself, you'll feel good... and that goes a long way. Be a role model for your children. Don't curse. Don't be cruel. Take pride in your work. Lead by example - because at the end of the day, that's what your children are going to follow.
Take some personal inventory. Look at your strengths and your weaknesses and work on the latter. You should try to take measures to better yourself every day. Who doesn't have work to do on themselves? This also brings up the next point. Consider your child as a unique individual who is like no one else. He or she may have different needs. Treat them accordingly. Set boundaries with your children. {relatedarticles}Let them know upfront what is right and what is wrong, what is acceptable and what is not. If your child regards you as a pushover, it's sure to be a long 18 years. Let your children know that there are consequences. And be consistent. If you say you're going to do something, follow through. It's possible to discipline your children from a place of love, not anger. Even though your child may not always like the rules, they'll respect you for them.