Set aside those parenting advisors from experts and well-meaning relatives.
Some of the best parenting advice comes from the most unexpected places. Explore 5 of the surprising sources of parenting wisdom!
1. The Toddler’s Negotiation Tactics
Be honest when I ask you if you’ve always won the argument with your toddler? The answer will be a big NO.
That’s because they’ve the power to convince you with a blend of logic, persistence and sheer willpower.
Whether it be extra play time or later bed time, they don’t just ask – they strategize for results.
But seriously, you’ve to admit that they can wear you down with their tenacity, going after you till you give in.
There’s a lot to learn from their art of negotiation and the use of emotional intelligence. First, patience. Second, controlled negotiations. If they can do it so can you!
What a parent has to do in such challenging circumstances is to remain calm and set clear boundaries (use their negotiating skills here).
Be firm and offer some limited choices but don’t give in to those puppy-dog eyes! It’s not about giving in, it’s about finding common ground.
Will help to take a few notes from their own playbook.
2. Your Pet Dogs Are Basically Gentle Parenting Experts
If you’ve got a pet dog at home, you know how it goes. They’re the gentle parents in disguise for your child.
Their furry friend patiently teaches them valuable lessons with consistency, affection and their generous tail wags; no lecturing or nagging.
They show what unconditional love is. It calms the child after a bad day with it’s comforting presence. Now that’s a masterclass in emotional connection.
And waiting by the door, tail wagging, trusting that you’ll return? There can’t be a more warm and happy welcome!
It’s these qualities of patience, trust and affection that are the most needed when bringing up children. Instead of barking orders (pun intended), nurture them.
All they need is a little positive reinforcement and lots of cuddles, which may of course get shared with your pet!
3. That One ‘Inspirational’ Reality Show You Can’t Afford to Miss
Ever seen any of those survival challenges on TV? You’ve seen how the participants are constantly encouraged, supported and pushed?
They survive under pressure and push their limits to complete the tasks at hand.
Same goes with parenting. Children need your constant support and encouragement when learning something. Be it learning to ride a bike or solve a maths problem, they need you to be there for them.
Criticism can wait; it can be counterproductive if that’s your regular reaction to their achievements. Instead of focusing on mistakes, celebrate their progress.
Let them explore their limits while you provide the solid support they need. It can make a world of difference.
4. Your Favourite Stand-Up Comedian Solves Almost Everything with Laughter
If you’ve ever watched any of the shows by Amit Tandon The Married Guy, you’ll begin to view life a lot less seriously.
He turned life’s every day mundane struggles into comedy, including his parenting woes with his teenage children. It’s all about perspective.
With kids, humour goes a long way in creating deeper bonds.
Haven’t you seen them rolling in laughter at the silliest of things? Like that funny face you make or that silly song with nonsensical lyrics you sing or your exaggerated storytelling?
Humour is a powerful tool. It can defuse a possible meltdown or deflect the next tantrum or lightens tough moments. It’s a survival skill for parents.
Parenting is chaotic as it is, a few laughs together can make it enjoyable. Make your own comedy show.
5. The Auto-Correct on Your Phone
Think of the time you sent a text and autocorrect totally butchered it?
The smart phones and their autocorrect are a great way to learn that it’s not always possible that what you think and what you say, or type, will match.
You can easily miscommunicate your idea unintentionally, leading to big misunderstandings.
Same with kids. Don’t assume they understood what you said. They can misinterpret the meaning if you’re not clear in communicating it to them.
Again, you’ll have a hard time understanding them or their point of view if you don’t listen to them.
To make sure they ‘get’ what you mean, and vice versa, focus on clear communication to avoid the ‘autocorrect’ moments.
Inference
Each parent’s journey is unique because each child is unique.
No matter how many books you’ve read or experts you follow, you’ve to keep your mind open to learning from everyday moments.
And some of the best lessons are often those that made you laugh.
So the next time your toddler negotiates like a lawyer or your dog steps in to teach or your words get misinterpreted – just take a deep breath and laugh it off.
Parenting wisdom is everywhere. Learn from it.
Keep learning, keep enjoying. Which unexpected source has taught you a parenting lesson? Share your story, I’d love to hear it!
