How Can I Be a Warm Parent?

According to a new study from the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, warm parent-child relationships are linked to flourishing in midlife. Warm parenting is characterized by interacting with a child affectionately and responsively. These interactions primarily foster relatedness and autonomy need satisfaction (SDT).

Be aware of your emotions

Feelings are our natural reactions to situations, so we must understand how we feel and manage them.

Awareness of your emotions can help you identify the underlying cause of your feelings, making them easier to deal with. Developing emotional awareness can also help you identify your reactions to others’ feelings and build empathy for them.

First, take deep breaths and ask yourself what you’re feeling right now. Often, we have many different feelings at once.

Once you’ve identified the emotion, ask yourself what it means. Do you think this feeling is a good thing or something that needs to change?

Emotions are often confused with reason; the two don’t always go hand-in-hand. This can lead to biased judgements and bad decisions.

Be a good listener

One of the most important skills you can develop is listening. It’s a skill that can benefit you in all aspects of your life, whether in a business meeting or a conversation with your close friend.

It’s also an excellent way to improve your social skills. You can communicate to other people that you’re trustworthy and caring when you hear what they say.

You can show that you’re actively listening by making eye contact and using other nonverbal communication cues, such as nodding or leaning in, to express your understanding.

Be kind to yourself

Being kind to yourself is an important way of building self-compassion. It helps you cope with the difficulties that come your way, and it also supports your mental health.

A simple act of kindness, such as a smile, opening the door, or helping carry a heavy load, can affect your mood and those around you. It increases serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which increases feelings of well-being and releases endorphins – your body’s natural painkillers.

There are many ways to be kind to yourself, including noticing when you’re feeling anxious or stressed, taking a moment to breathe, and speaking to yourself as if you were talking to a friend in distress. Research shows that people who practice tender self-compassion – a gentle approach to connecting with their emotions and practising compassion for themselves – experience fewer symptoms of stress and depression.

Be a good role model

Having a good role model is one of the best ways to raise a child who will grow up to be a responsible adult. A good role model is someone who teaches children right from wrong and how to be respectful adults.

Another important aspect of being a good role model is to be willing to take responsibility for your actions. It’s not easy to admit that you made a mistake or said something you shouldn’t have, but owning up is a great way to show your children that you are willing to be accountable and fix your mistakes.

Good role models also show kids they can achieve their goals, even if they are difficult. For example, athletes are often popular as role models because they demonstrate that hard work and perseverance can lead to success in the face of adversity.