Parenting is SIMPLE
There are so many methods, techniques, and advice contradicting each others on parenting.
It looks … complicated. So complicated that many Vietnamese parents either (1) give up on educating themselves on how to raise their kids or (2) keep learning and trying more but still feel guilty that they cannot yet be the best parents they can.
However, good parenting is NOT about methods and techniques.
Whether you let them cry it out or not, sleep with them or not, feed them in what style, it does not matter eventually. Especially not worth being so stressed about it.
The best way to raise a child is simply to be a good parent
Being a good parent. Not “parenting”.
Life is simple, but not easy. Everyone knows how to be healthy - eat well, sleep well, exercise. The hardest part is not knowing but doing all of that consistently, despite all life’s temptations. Similarly, being a good parent is also simple. You already know what it means. You just need to trust yourself and dedicate effort to doing the right things, every day.
Love your child and show them they are loved, as much as possible.
Support your child and protect them but give them enough autonomy to learn about the world.
Respect your child as an individual human being with their own rights, needs, wants, and level of maturity. Do not try to mold them into what you want. You cannot. The more you try, the more you are damaging them and your relationship with them.
Live a life of integrity yourself, walk the talk. Whatever values you want to see in them - you embody them first! I do not just tell my children to learn - I learn new things every day and share the journey with my children.
Spend time with your child - listen to them, answer them, tinker with them, build with them.
That is it. Remind yourself often about those principles. Live them daily. It’s one of the hardest things in life.
But totally, absolutely, definitely worth it.
