30 Ways to Restore Peace into Your Parenting

Parenting is hard and it’s normal to not stay calm 100% of the time. The good news is that kids are forgiving when you apologize and there’s always going to be another chance to restore the peace and reconnect as a parent. Here’s a few practical tips to do just that:

1. Talk about your own feelings, using descriptive language beyond mad, sad or happy

2. Allow your child the opportunity to explain their perspective and share their feelings, even when they have disobeyed you

3. Paraphrase what they said to provide words to label their feelings

4. Words hold power: use positive and intentional language

5. Involve your child in volunteering or charitable activities

6. Talk about empathy and ask them to think about situations from others’ point of view

7. Give them responsibility and tasks at home

8. Practice self-care so you have energy to care for others

9. Apologize when you make a mistake

10. Show them it’s okay to be imperfect

11. When possible give your child options

12. Ask them to help repair something they caused. For example, if they knock something over, ask them to help clean it up

13. Hug it out!

14. Set guidelines so they know what is expected of them

15. Plan a fun ‘date’ night with with each kid

16. Invest in one-on-one time daily

17. Recognize accomplishments and focus on positive behavior

18. Join a community of parents for support

19. When possible, share a meal together as a family

20. Make a habit of sharing gratitudes or “Rose and Thorns” for the day- a rose is something good that happened and a thorn is something that hurt them

21. Get outside together

22. Find time to talk with your child- while traveling to school or at night before they go to bed

23. Sing their favorite songs together

24. Color them a picture/write them a special note

25. Our thoughts are reflected in our faces, be aware of your expressions

26. Encourage other adults to invest in your child

27. Ask questions about your child’s day

28. Model positive behavior- let them know when you need to cool down

29. Model positive behavior- be aware of how you talk in the car, on social media or in arguments

Download our printable version here!

Leave us a comment and let us know which one resonated with you and one that you’ll try!