**Collaborative post**

No matter how good a parent you are, most people are going to want to do better. They will have moments when they feel guilty, when they aren’t paying attention, when other things get in the way, and although these times are just part of life, they can still cause issues for the adult (not necessarily for the child, of course).

If you ever feel as though you want to improve your parenting skills, either by a little or a lot, then read on because here are some useful tips that will point you in the right direction. Remember, though; you’re probably doing better than you think.

Be More Empathetic

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is not let your child get their own way all the time (this is, in fact, a bad idea), but to show them that they are understood. Empathise more with their situation, and even if you can’t agree to what they are asking for right now, you can explain why this is, and take their feelings into account in the process.

They still might not be happy with the decision, but at least they will know that you have thought things through before making your decision and that their feelings, as well as your own, have been considered.

Make Them Laugh

They say that laughter is the best medicine, and that might have a grain of truth to it; remember the times you’ve been feeling down but a loved one made you laugh and everything was okay again, at least for a while.

That is as true for your kids as it is for you, and if you want them to be happy, healthy, and to have great memories of you and your parenting, try to make them laugh as often as you can. On top of all the other benefits, laughing releases ‘bonding hormones’ into the body, so you will be strengthening your relationship every time you tell a joke or make a funny face.

Say Yes More Often

Something that can make parents feel guilty and kids feel bad is the word ‘no’. Although it is absolutely necessary to prevent the child becoming spoiled and from bad decisions being made, as well as learning good behaviour, there are times when a ‘no’ could – and should – be a ‘yes’.

Before answering any request, think carefully. If your initial reaction was to say no, why was this? Was it for your benefit or the child’s? Should you be thinking yes instead? How can the situation be turned into a positive?

If, for example, your child asked to go out with friends, without adults, for the first time, you might instinctively say no. However, with the right rules in place, a plan to stick to, and a way to stay in touch (a cell phone that you can monitor from home would be ideal – read more on this article), then it might be possible after all.

We’re not saying that you have to say yes to everything to be a better parent; the truth is this would lead you into bad parenting in the end. However, we are suggesting that you take a moment to think before saying no, just to be sure that’s the right answer.