Process Essay: How To Be A Good Mother

How to Be a Good Mother

The definition of a good mother varies depending on who you ask. Luckily, the only opinions that matter are yours and your kids. If you’re trying to be a good mom, start by figuring out what you consider to be most important— is it discipline? Is it quality time? Is it providing your kids with opportunities? Once you’ve figured that out, set ground rules and work to be a positive role model in your kids’ lives. Don’t forget, though. To invest in your children, you’ll also need to invest in yourself. Be sure to perform self-care and build relationships with supportive people who can be there for you so you can be there for your children.

[[Category:Motherhood]]

== Steps ==

===Laying a Good Foundation===

#Follow advice

Dish out plenty of love in the form of hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation. Affection reminds your child that they are loved unconditionally. Plus, it’s linked to higher self-esteem, better academic performance, less behavioral problems, and an overall stronger relationship between you and your child. (-- removed HTML --) https://www.parent.com/how-a-parents-affection-shapes-a-childs-happiness-for-life/ (-- removed HTML --)

#*Make sure most of the interactions you have with your children are positive and loving. Strive to show affection daily.

#Act approachable, so your children want to talk to you. A good relationship with your child is built on [[Communicate Effectively With Children | healthy communication]], but they’ll need to know that you are open to talking with them. Make a point of having regular conversations with each of your children, no matter how trivial the subject. Then, let them know that your door is always open for a chat. (-- removed HTML --) http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/communication-parents.aspx (-- removed HTML --) [[Image:Be a Good Mother Step 5 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#*Smile, uncross your arms and legs, and make occasional eye contact. If your child is talking, try to give them your full attention. Power off or silent any distractions like the TV or your cell phone until the conversation is over. Repeat what they said to show you’re

Ensuring that you reflect a consistent image to your kids is an important part of being a good mom. Children repeat behaviors that their parents do, so avoid setting rule and standards for your kids you don’t follow yourself. (-- removed HTML --) http://www.easternflorida.edu/community-resources/child-development-centers/parent-resource-library/documents/parents-powerful-role-models.pdf (-- removed HTML --)

#*For example, if you have a hard rule about lying in your household, avoid telling lies whenever possible in front of your kids. That way, you’ll seem more credible and admirable.

#*This also includes modeling things like being a hard worker, eating healthy foods, and not using drugs or alcohol.

#Be an upstanding citizen in the world. Being a role model extends beyond basic behavior to humanity in general. If you want to be a good mother, be a good person. Lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need, volunteer in your local community, and advocate for the underdogs of society. (-- removed HTML --) https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/focus-parents/role-model-promise-peril/ (-- removed HTML --)

#*Commit to a family community service project, like serving at a soup kitchen over the holidays.

#*Modeling compassion and empathy for others increases the likelihood that your children will be assets to