Parenting is a whirlwind of responsibilities—wake up early, make breakfast, get the kids ready, check their backpacks, rush out the door… oh wait—did they brush their teeth? Forget their homework? The daily chaos is real, and while there’s no official degree in parenting, there are practical tips to help you navigate it with confidence.

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Put Your Phone Away—Yes, Really!

We hear it all the time: “Put down your phone.” But let’s be honest—it’s hard to disconnect, especially when work emails keep rolling in. Still, your children need you to be present. The best way to teach them about digital balance? Lead by example.

Set clear ground rules for screen time in your household. Show them that it's possible to unplug and prioritize real-world connections. Studies confirm that kids model their behavior after their parents—so give them something worth imitating!  A research article explores how parental influence shapes children's social behavior, reinforcing the importance of modeling positive habits

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Express Your Feelings—And Teach Them To, Too

Emotions are part of life, and kids need to see how to regulate them in a healthy way. Instead of bottling up frustration or stress, model coping strategies: take deep breaths, go for a walk, or use grounding exercises.

One powerful tool is the STOP technique, which helps you consciously regulate emotions in the moment. Encourage open conversations about feelings—your kids should know that it’s okay to express themselves at any time. Grounding exercises can also be effective in helping children manage emotions.

Sharing Is Caring—And Connecting

One of the best ways to bond with your kids is by sharing stories about when you were their age. Whether it’s overcoming a fear, making a mistake, or learning something new, relatability builds trust and helps them apply life lessons in a meaningful way.

Positive reinforcement also plays a big role in strengthening that connection. Celebrate their successes and remind them that learning comes with ups and downs. Here are some great examples of positive reinforcement techniques for parents.

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Be Their Biggest Cheerleader

Empower your kids to learn new skills—whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or simply managing responsibilities. Praise them at the right moments to boost motivation and confidence

More importantly, foster a growth mindset. Let them know mistakes are part of learning and trying again is always encouraged. This builds resilience and teaches them to push forward, no matter the challenge. A helpful worksheet on using praise effectively in parenting can be found here, and additional insights on fostering a growth mindset are available here.

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