Few people will try to make the claim that parenting isn't that complicated but, like everything else out there, you can cultivate certain skills that will help you become more effective at the task. It's easy to assume that you're making the right parenting choices when everything is going well. If you're running into difficulties, however, you may need to work on some of your parenting skills.

Consistency is incredibly important when it comes to child discipline. This is not an easy quality for many parents to display, but if you lack it you can be sure your children will not take your directives very seriously. You need to think long and hard about the rules and consequences you set up: do not make threats or promises that you do not intend to keep. If you've taken your child's television privileges away for the week, you have to stick to this. When you give in you tell your kids that your word isn't worth much and that it can safely be disregarded. Children will, of course, test your resolve, so you have to be firm.

Every single parent is going to feel frustrated, mad or even just overwhelmed sometimes. Take a break when you feel this way. You need to put some provisions in place so that you have options for childcare when you need a little breather. This can be a babysitter or it can be your friend or someone to whom you are related (or even your partner). Ideally you should have a lengthy list of people you can count on as not everyone is going to be available all the time. Even if you're not at your breaking point yet, it is important to take time for yourself sometimes. Sometimes you don't need a lot of time for this, just fifteen minutes spent walking around your block can be enough to help you feel refreshed. You're going to be a better parent if you allow yourself to take time and not try to be perfect 24/7.

As a parent there are going to be some styles that come naturally to you but, particularly if you tend to vacillate between extremes, there are some styles that deserve some modification. Parents, to use one example, who were raised in very strict and authoritarian homes tend to be strict and authoritarian themselves. In today's society, however, kids need to be able to think for themselves and when you are too strict, the kids either become far too obedient and docile or they become rebellious early on. On the other hand, if you are too permissive with your kids, they won't ever learn boundaries and will probably grow up without much self discipline.

Studies show that kids thrive the most in an environment run with "authoritative parenting" which is partly authoritarian and partly permissive. There are lots of parenting skills that can help make your job a lot easier while simultaneously helping your kids learn very important life lessons. It is also important to learn how to apply these skills in ways that are good for your son or daughter's age and personality. You are only human, as are your kids and we all are able to learn and grow both from the mistakes we make as well as the successes we enjoy.

These parenting techniques can be quite useful for you and for your child, nevertheless they might not do the job if you have troubles with the marriage.

In the event you and your partner experiencing partnership troubles that could have an impact on your son or daughter and also your marriage, then look into the advice below for some recommendations.