4 Empowering Parenting Tips
As the new year unfolds, many of us find ourselves setting goals, reflecting on who we want to be, and how we want to show up for the people who matter most.
For parents, this often means thinking about the relationship we have with our children. But in a world filled with curated social media feeds and endless advice, it can be easy to feel like we need to strive for perfection.
This year, consider focusing on being the parent you’re proud to be—not the perfect parent, but the intentional one.
The Power of Connection
At its heart, parenting is about connection. I remember a time when my daughter came home from school visibly upset. My first instinct was to ask a million questions: “What happened? Are you okay? Who upset you?” But instead, I chose to reflect what I saw.
“Your face looks sad—like something’s bothering you,” I said softly. Then, I waited.
Eventually, she started talking about a difficult day with a friend. That moment taught me how much connection happens when we let our kids lead the conversation—when we acknowledge their feelings and listen, without rushing to offer advice.
As you think about the parent you want to be, consider the quality of your relationship with your child. Are you creating an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued? Are you fostering trust and safety so they know they can come to you—whether to share triumphs or struggles?
Connection doesn’t have to come from grand gestures. It’s built in the little moments: listening without interrupting, sitting down for five minutes of uninterrupted play, or showing genuine interest in their passions—even if their passions are Minecraft or makeup tutorials.
Celebrate Effort Over Perfection
The pressure to “get it right” can overshadow the joy of parenting. But here’s the truth: parenting is as much about learning and growing as it is about guiding and nurturing. When we give ourselves permission to make mistakes, we show our children how to navigate challenges with resilience and adaptability.
I’ll never forget a particularly hard time when I was yelling far more than I wanted to. One day, my daughter and I were arguing over cleaning her room. I lost my patience—again. As I watched her face crumble, I felt awful. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t yell, and yet, here I was.
This time, I apologized. To my surprise, my daughter hugged me tightly. Then, I tried again—this time using the words and tone I wished I’d used in the first place. That experience taught me two things: owning our mistakes builds trust, and we always have a second chance with our kids. They are so grateful when we try again, because it demonstrates how much we love them.
Instead of striving for a perfect household or flawless routines or never yelling, celebrate effort—both yours and your child’s. Apologizing after a tough moment, showing up even when you’re tired, or handling a meltdown with patience are what matter most. These moments reflect love, determination, and grace.
Self-Care Is Family Care
One of the most overlooked aspects of parenting is the importance of caring for yourself. Parenting from a place of depletion often leads to frustration and burnout.
During my yelling phase, I was also overwhelmed with caring for my husband who was recovering from a serious hospitalization, work I didn’t love (before I became a parent coach), and parenting two young kids. I was exhausted and often wished I could get away, but I didn’t know how. Looking back, I realize I needed more sleep and some time to myself.
Things began to shift when I started taking short walks and then a woman from my neighborhood asked if we could walk together. Having a daily exercise routine and a new friend gave me space to breathe and feel better about myself.
I want to encourage you to prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s exercising, pursuing a hobby, or simply carving out time to rest, your self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. A more balanced you can approach parenting challenges with greater clarity and patience, which will boost how you feel about yourself. You’ll also be modeling a healthier, more fulfilled life for your children.
Focus on What Matters Most
When I was in my exhausted phase, I struggled to engage with my kids. My youngest loved making up stories with her toys, but I barely had the energy to play. Still, I lay on the floor, rested, and listened to her storytelling. It was far from perfect, but it still mattered. My daughter was thrilled to have a captive audience, and I realized these moments were still helping to build our relationship. Since then, I’ve focused on being present with my kids, and doing what I can, and accepting that this is enough.
Parenting can feel overwhelming, but clarity can come when you focus on your “big picture” goals. What truly matters to you as a parent? Is it raising kind, curious, and resilient children? Building a home where they feel loved and supported?
When you keep those values in mind and use them to guide your choices, it becomes easier to step out of the day-to-day grind and let go of small worries that don’t align with your goals.
A New Year, A New Perspective
As you step into this new year, remember that every day is a new opportunity to be the parent you want to be—not the one you see on social media or the one your younger self imagined, but the parent your child needs and the one you’re proud to become.
This year, I encourage you to prioritize connection over perfection, effort over outcomes, and love over fear.
Here’s to a year of growing, learning, and loving—for you and your family!
Take the Next Step
Parenting is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Every parent deserves guidance tailored to their unique needs. Here are some ways I can support your journey:
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3) Schedule a free, confidential consultation - Click HERE to connect for a one-on-one conversation about your family.
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