Parent Manual

Parent Manual 

Straightforward Tip For Raising Children in the 21st-century

By Coach Frank Sagasta  

Being a great parent is a lifelong journey filled with lessons, learning, and growth. Oh heck, it’s filled with pain, anxiety and stress too!! In fact, we were never given the manual of how to raise our child. We most certainly didn’t learn much in education about the subject. However, we did learn a few things on the journey. 

Being a great parent is an ongoing journey, and it's okay to make mistakes. So, long as those mistakes don’t grow into something that makes deep heartache or bring major consequences that leave lasting impacts. Learn from them, adapt your approach, and always strive to improve makes you a GREAT PARENT!! 

Throughout the years, Sarah and myself have faced many ups and downs, but we’ve always approached parenthood with love, patience, and a growth mindset. Especially, after we understood the importance of those principles. We’ve celebrated Isaac’s, Andrew’s, and Delina’s achievements, big and small, and provided comfort and guidance during their setbacks. We proved the tools and training to be confident, compassionate young adults. Sarah and I know that our journey as successful parents has been worth every moment. Because we can ultimately see that we’ve created a loving and nurturing environment where our children felt safe to explore, learn, and grow.

Sarah and I aren’t rich in material things, but we extremely rich and successful in parenthood. In the end, what will truly matter right? We have come to believe, realize, and religiously understand. It’s not about how much money you make but how you make it, and what you do with it. When raising children, it is about what you pour into them that makes all the difference. For what you pour into them will always be a part of their personal identity and their family code. Being a great parent is a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and loving unconditionally. It requires dedication, patience, commitment, and discipline to the well-being and happiness of your child. 

Here are some important lessons to keep in mind. To be a great and successful parent or guardian here are some tips to consider: 

1. Communicate effectively: Establish open and honest communication with your child. Listen actively, validate their feelings, and encourage them to express themselves. Effective communication helps build trust and strengthens your relationship. Remember to show that you’re an active listener. Truly listen to your child when they speaking. Give them your full attention, validate their feelings, and respond with empathy. This helps them feel heard and understood.

2. Set clear boundaries and expectations: Establish clear rules and expectations for your child's behavior. Consistency is key, so enforce these boundaries consistently and fairly. This helps your child understand what is expected of them and promotes a sense of structure and discipline.

3. Be a positive role model: Children learn by observing their parents' behavior. Model the values and behaviors you want to instill in your child, such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Show them how to handle challenges and conflicts in a positive and constructive manner.

4. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is crucial to being a great parent. Prioritize self-care activities that recharge and rejuvenate you. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and pursuing your own interests and hobbies. When you take care of yourself, you have more energy and patience to be the best parent you can be.

5. Patience: Parenting requires immense patience. Children will test your limits, make mistakes, and take time to learn and grow. Practice patience and understanding, and remember that they are still developing.

6. Consistency: Consistency is key in parenting. Establish consistent routines, rules, and consequences. This provides stability and helps your child understand what is expected of them.

7. Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your own parenting style and behaviors. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes if necessary. Self-reflection helps you grow as a parent and improve your relationship with your child.

8. Balance: Strive for a healthy balance between work, family, and personal life. Prioritize quality time with your child, but also make time for self-care and maintaining your own interests and relationships.

9. Teach life skills: Help your child develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Teach them how to handle challenges and navigate the ups and downs of life. 

10. Lead by example: Be the person you want your child to become. Model the values, principles, behaviors, and attitudes you want them to adopt. Your actions speak louder than words. Be a great student of leadership because it has much to do with leading your home. 

While consistency is important, along with having a positive mental attitude and many of the others herein. I genuinely believe. If you want high achieving children, you have to believe in them and give them hope. If you want high achieving children, you have to give them compliments and meaningful feedback. If you want high achieving children, you have to be primary — for you are the primary inspiration for education in their lives. Lastly, it is crucial to be flexible and adaptable too! Parenting can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. So, embrace the memories and learning stages. And never stop creating lasting memories together. Trust your instincts, seek support when needed, and always prioritize the well-being and happiness of your child.

Coach Frank Sagasta 

Leadership & Life-Skills Coach 

                        (c) Coach Frank Sagasta 2023