Why Is Parenting Important?

What's Covered

As your children grow, they obtain qualities, habits, abilities, and skills every day and for them to absorb these bits of knowledge and strengths, your role as a parent is very important.

Components of Parenting and Their Importance

Care

Caring for children includes emotional and physical aspects. To care for a child means protecting a child from possible harm and promoting healthy emotional health.

Control

Parenting also involves control. Many possible activities are surrounding a child and it is important to set boundaries to safeguard them.

Development

A child has potentials in life and parenting is responsible for helping a child maximize these potentials by finding or looking for opportunities to enhance them.

The Value of Parenting When It Comes to Child’s Health

            The process of raising children is an issue nowadays and this is because parenting is associated with accidents and sickness of a child. According to a study, parenting is also associated with early pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, disrupted education and absenteeism, lowbrow attitude, child abuse, joblessness, juvenile delinquency, and mental problems.[1]

            We usually think that parenting involves only the parents but according to a study, parenting is not limited to parents. In fact, caregivers, nurses, educators, or anyone who looks after a child is involved with parenting.[2]

            Parenting is affected by many factors, too such as poverty. Parenting is improved because of past experiences and pain. According to a study, even depression especially on the part of the mother can disrupt the process but there is an interesting part about this: a parent can use these factors to improve themselves when it comes to parenting so that their children will not experience the same things.[3]

            Interestingly, when troubles are experienced during the process of parenting, professionals can play a role by being the support group in the process before and after the birth of a child. I was only 22 years old when I gave birth to my child and back then, I had no idea about proper parenting especially because I am an only child. Amazingly, health professionals around me explained that even the health of a child is affected when I neglect parenting tasks. Eventually, I acquired knowledge some information about parenting whenever we visit these professionals especially pediatricians.

            Coming to think of it, your child’s health is indeed affected by your parenting skills and knowledge. For example, your child is experiencing sudden fever and chills in the middle of the night and you are all alone, your knowledge about first aid can be used. So, if you lack knowledge about proper parenting, your child’s health and welfare are in danger too. Parenting tips are all over the internet but these tips are usually the same. With this, there are some good books about proper parenting and I recommend one for you to read.

Sale
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids
By reading this book, you will actually understand the things you need to do as a parent with regards of your child’s health and safety. There may be days when you are anxious about the possible things that may happen to your child but when you read this book, you’ll see different ways in doing parenting which will definitely make you peaceful.

Parenting Can Nurture a Child

            Nurturing a child is not only about providing their needs such as education, food, medical attention, secured home, and comfortable clothes but it is also about giving them attention, understanding, and support. With this, nurturing your child means showing interest in their activities and supporting them in the things they are interested in.

            When you are parenting your children properly, your children are nurtured because they feel worthy of themselves. According to a study, parenting can nurture a child by allowing the child to feel hopeful, trusted, loved, and stronger.[4] Eventually, when a child can feel these things, it will make that child become a giver by letting other people feel these too. However, it is important to understand that nurturing a child through parenting must be balanced. The best thing to do is to give enough nurture in order for your child to feel that you are not overprotective and you are not too distant from them.

I recommend reading books that speak about nurturing a child as these kinds of books can explain to you how proper parenting is related to nurturing a child and what are the things you can do in order to nurture them perfectly.

Using food in nurturing your child is also an effective way and I personally recommend SpoonfulOne products.

SpoonfulOne Early Allergen Introduction Mix-Ins
Using this product at an early age can actually make your child become smarter. Additionally, children may have different food allergies and these allergies can only be seen as they grow older. Eventually, using this food can help in decreasing those food allergens. When this happens, you will feel at peace and secured.

Parenting is Important in the Proper Behavior of a Child

            The parenting process involves settings rules, directions, and limits, and understanding consequences in order to discipline a child. When you are doing a parenting job, you guide your children in order for them to grow well in terms of their behaviors and actions and you do this because you want them to mature properly.

            When a child knows that there are rules that should be followed, a child will feel secured and when a child fails to follow certain rules, a child will understand your frustrations and disappointments. Interestingly, through parenting, little ones can learn about behavioral responsibility and the consequences of their decisions especially the wrong ones. For this reason, in the future, a child can create and choose better decisions that will make them less egocentric.

            According to a study, parenting can result in positive behavioral change and proper discipline.[5] Sadly, it is hard to do the correct parenting job when we speak of child behavior. Personally, as a parent, there are times when I feel I am not doing the right parenting job. I question myself: “Am I right about scolding my child?” But then I realize that the results are not seen instantly. Instead, I have observed that a child is learning about change in behavior every day and disciplining them plays a vital role.

            Setting limits or stopping your child does not mean you do not love them. In fact, setting limits means providing love through proper guidance. Back when I was still living with my in-laws (my husband’s sister has a child who happens to be the same age as my child), my sister-in-law used to watch let her child get and take away my child’s toys and eventually, my little boy will cry. Although I do not like that, I let it pass for arguments’ sake. When the same thing happens (when my child tries to take get the other child’s toys), I discipline my son by telling him repeatedly that getting other’s toys and stuff is and will never be nice. Although this will make my little boy cry and feel sad, I feel a sense of security for my child. Today, when we visit my in-laws, I noticed that my child never did the same thing! The most touching part? I hear my 2-year-old say in uttered voice: “No, not nice getting toys”.

            Let me tell you another event that has happened to my child. My child has another girl cousin and this little girl is very naughty and her naughtiness leads her to be hurt. One time when we visited my little boy’s cousin, I heard my little boy say, “No, no, no! You’ll get sugat (boo-boo)!” and when the little girl gets hurt, my child is on to the rescue! My child usually helps other people when he sees them cry or even when we play pretend and we shout the word “Help!” Because I feel like I am too young to raise a child, I usually read books about disciplining a child in order to protect them properly.

Parenting Can Boost a Child’s Self-esteem

            Self-esteem is a personal value that should be improved, boosted, or enhanced and amazingly, proper parenting can help in boosting this value. It is important to raise a confident child because when a child is confident, he or she is always on to challenging activities and opportunities. Additionally, a confident child will always be courageous and will never be scared of failures.[6] Doing play-pretend activities are actually a great srart in boosting your child’s confidence.

To raise a confident child, you should consider the following:

  1. Acknowledgment

Acknowledging efforts can boost confidence.[7] A child will always put effort into every matter and you have to acknowledge these efforts. In order to boost your child’s confidence, you have to praise your child no matter how big or small their achievements are.

  • Independence

Learning to be an independent individual at a young age can lead to better outcomes. Confidence and independence are associated and when you want to boost your child’s confidence, you have to let them be independent. Let them solve their problems on their own but let them understand that you are with them. They may ask for help and you can share your ideas but let them finish a certain challenge on their own. With this, in the future, they will determine the best actions and decisions they should do when a challenge is being faced by them again.

  • Support and participation

According to a study, the participation of parents in their child’s education is a gateway for children to become confident as they grow older.[8] Allow your child to explore and let them understand that your support will always be beside them. Additionally, participating in their education can also boost their confidence. When a child knows that his or her parents are supporting and participating with them in their educational matters, a child will tend to work harder.

  • Responsibilities

Even at a very young age, children need to be given responsibilities and you can start this by letting them do some house chores! Giving your children responsibilities increases their feelings of self-worth especially when they are rewarded. Giving responsibilities means exposing one to accountability and accountability leads to a boost in self-esteem especially when tasks are accomplished.

Sale
Melissa & Doug Dus, Sweep, Mop
Using this toy can actually be a great way for your child to learn responsibilities starting at home. In the future, small house chores like this will be easier for your child to do!
  • Rapport

According to a study, bonding with your children gives both of you confidence.[9] Let your children share their feelings, emotions, and ideas with you. When a child knows that there is someone who cares and understands them, they will be confident in facing life’s battles.

Parenting Enhances the Parent-Child and Parent-Parent Relationship

            A relationship is very important when it comes to parenting because the response of parents reflects the behaviors of their children. When a child knows that compassion from parents is there, the relationship between actually deepens. Looking at it, when you do a parenting job, you are always with your children and this actually builds up a good relationship between the two of you.

            A parent-parent relationship can actually be enhanced especially when both the mother and father are actually doing the parenting job. You think together, you interact more, and your relationship will get more romantic especially when you talk about your child’s welfare. Personally, my husband and I always choose the best for our little boy even if nothing will be left for us and when we talk about it together, we eventually get happier! There may be conflicts but when we think of parenting, we argue constructively by finding solutions and recognizing one another’s emotions. Using a planner can be help parents in jotting down notes!

Parenting Aids in the Proper Development of a Child’s Self-control

            According to a study, parenting is linked to self-control and males have lower self-control abilities compared to females. Relatively, low self-control can lead to crimes and dangerous acts such as drunk-driving, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, dating violence, and even content piracy. In the same study, it is suggested that self-control development is affected by environmental factors including parenting.[10] Playing self-control games are actually great way to boost your child’s self-control!

Sale
Jenga Giant JS6
Playing this game can actually teach your child patience and self-control. Having your child exposed to games like this can be helpful in developing good traits that they can bring as they grow older.

Parenting Influences Child’s Development: Language and Communication

            Language and communication are two major abilities that a child should learn at a young age and parenting have a role in this development. Your child tends to imitate your actions, your words, the way you speak, and the way you communicate with others. For this reason, it is important to understand that your verbal communication with your child can affect their verbal development.

            There are many factors that can lead to a decrease in parent-child verbal interaction and the first factor prevalent in our society today is the use of gadgets and televisions. To compensate for the gap, it is recommended to always set time for these screens and allocate more time in communicating with your children. Personally, when I get home after work, I always ask my little boy these questions every day: “How are you?”, “What did you do today?”, “Did you sleep well?” Eventually, I noticed that my 24-month-old is asking me these things with his sweet voice.

            There are other ways in educating your child about these abilities and the common and simplest way is using good books. According to a study, allowing children to read can enhance their language and communication abilities.[11]

Sale
Do Unto Otters
This book does not only focus on enhancing your child’s communication skills but it also teaches about good manners. Books like this are actually great when you are raising a child because a child tends to imitate the good things they see in the story.

The Importance of Parenting with Regards to Child’s Success and Education

            According to a study, children can accomplish a lot of things even at their young age when a good parenting process is supported by them. Additionally, children’s ability to survive a complex life and achieve tremendous victories can be nourished by proper parenting.[12]

            A child will first learn at home before a child learns at school. Because of this, it is reasonable to say good parenting is way important in bringing educational success to a child. Children do their best when parents make them understand the importance of education. Additionally, children learn manners and every little thing while they are at home. These learnings, then, can be brought by them when they attend classes.

Parents can pass their values and beliefs onto their children by educating them at home when they mess up. In our society today, even teachers communicate with parents when they are not doing well at school. Because of this, as a parent, the responsibility in teaching good behaviors is passed. One of the good things about parenting is that when a child is able to understand and learn, this actually leads to success in the future.

What Happens When You Do Not Look at Parenting as an Important Process in Your Child’s Development?

            One reason why there is uninvolved parenting because that parent did not experience parenting first hand and eventually, they repeat the same mistake. There are many reasons why the parenting process is not being properly done and some of these reasons are due to the struggles of the parents including depression, fatigue due to overworked, and substance abuse. However, this may lead to many effects on the child. According to a study, uninvolved parenting leads to a child’s decrease in cognition, connectivity, and social and emotional skills.[13] Additionally, uninvolved parenting leads to the misbehavior of a child. Other disadvantages of uninvolved parenting are:

  • Distant feeling of a child towards his or her parents
  • Low self-esteem development
  • Failed social interactions due to lack of communication development
  • Lack in coping skills

According to a study, the participation of fathers greatly affects a child’s well-being, success, and happiness.[14] In another study, empathy development in children is greatly affected by a father’s participation and this is actually the number one factor.[15] So, when children, especially the little boys, see no father-figure, how can they imitate fatherhood when they do not have any insights into the world of men?

Some Tips to Provide Effective Parenting

            You need not be perfect for you to do this job. The important thing is that the goals you set for your child’s development are being achieved and not instantly but achieved day by day. So, how can you provide a better parenting job?

1. Be a good example

Show your children the things you educate about. According to a study, we learn through imitation.[16] Sometimes, you may not notice it but your children watch your movements and emotions and if you want your child to develop many good things, you have to set an example by showing it to them.

2. Show love through actions

You say you love your children and they will appreciate your love more when they see it. Love is not just about buying these and that. In fact, that is called spoiling. Show your love by spending quality time with them. Let them feel that you are interested in the things they do and let them feel your warmth.

3. Remember your goals

Always remember the reason why you are working hard to provide a proper parenting process to your child. Keep a healthy perspective on why you want your child to become a better person and when you feel like giving up, go and bond with your children and be refreshed!

4. Pay attention to your overall well-being

You cannot take care of another human being when you are sick or ill. When doing a parenting job, it is important to take good care of yourself including your relationship with your partner.

The Takeaway

            There are no shortcuts when it comes to parenting especially when you want to build a great child. Yes, parenting is hard but eventually, the rewards are overwhelming. Do not feel hopeless when you feel like there is no improvement. Remember that the things you teach now may not be seen instantly but may be seen in your child’s future.


[1] Cox, A. D. “Continuities of Deprivation: The Newcastle 1000 Family Study. By I. Kolvin, FJW Miller, D. McI. Scott, SRM Gatzanis and M. Fleeting.(Pp. 408;£ 38.50.) Avebury: Aldershot, Hants. 1990.” Psychological Medicine 21.2 (1991): 534-535.

[2] Long, Nicholas. “Parenting in the USA: Growing adversity.” Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 1.3 (1996): 469-483.

[3] Hoghughi, Masud, and A. N. P. Speight. “Good enough parenting for all children—a strategy for a healthier society.” Archives of disease in childhood 78.4 (1998): 293-296.

[4] Brooks, Robert B. “The power of parenting.” Handbook of resilience in children. Springer, Boston, MA, 2005. 297-314.

[5] McKee, Laura, et al. “Harsh discipline and child problem behaviors: The roles of positive parenting and gender.” Journal of Family Violence 22.4 (2007): 187-196.

[6] Newton, Ruth P. The attachment connection: Parenting a secure & confident child using the science of attachment theory. New Harbinger Publications, 2008.

[7] Druckman, Daniel Ed, and Robert A. Bjork. Learning, remembering, believing: Enhancing human performance. National Academy Press, 1994.

[8] Petrovic, Zvezdana, et al. “Building the skills and confidence of early childhood educators to work with parents: study protocol for the Partnering with Parents cluster randomised controlled trial.” BMC medical research methodology 19.1 (2019): 1-10.

[9] Hughes, Anita M., and Veronica Read. Building positive relationships with parents of young children: A guide to effective communication. Routledge, 2012.

[10] Botchkovar, Ekaterina, et al. “The importance of parenting in the development of self-control in boys and girls: Results from a multinational study of youth.” Journal of Criminal Justice 43.2 (2015): 133-141.

[11] Mart, Cagri Tugrul. “Developing speaking skills through reading.” International Journal of English Linguistics 2.6 (2012): 91.

[12] Wolfe, Barbara, and Nathan Tefft. “Child interventions that may lead to increased economic growth: A report to the Pew Charitable Trusts.” Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin-Madison (2005).

[13] Alarcon, M. “The affect parenting styles have on a child’s cognitive development.” Contextual influences on cognitive development (1997).

[14] Rohner, Ronald P., and Robert A. Veneziano. “The importance of father love: History and contemporary evidence.” Review of general Psychology 5.4 (2001): 382-405.

[15] Franz, C., R. Koestner, and J. Weinberger. “The Family Origins of Empathic Concern: A Twenty-Six Year Longitudinal study.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 58 (1990): 709-717.

[16] Wang, Zhidan, Rebecca A. Williamson, and Andrew N. Meltzoff. “Imitation as a mechanism in cognitive development: A cross-cultural investigation of 4-year-old children’s rule learning.” Frontiers in Psychology 6 (2015): 562.

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Author

Vivian Perry

Vivian Perry

Mother of 3 kids. Enjoy reading parenting books and studied child care degree. Vivian loves to learn and write about parenting tips and help her kids to grow positively with grit mindset.

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