When you become a parent, you really have to become a responsible adult, whether you like it or not, Now some of us find that easy, and have actually been pretty responsible since we were young ones ourselves, while others struggle a bit more with the responsibilities and demands that come with being responsible for a little human of your own, and that is fine, as long as you are willing to step up and do what you need to do to keep them safe and happy.
That being the vase, below, you will find 26 things that any competent parent should be able to do, or willing to learn, sooner, rather than later…
1. How to Perform First Aid/CPR
Let’s kick things off with something serious: first aid and CPR certification. Because nothing says “I’ve got this parenting thing down” like saving your child from a rogue grape or being able to quickly tend to their wounds when they fall over. Knowing how to perform CPR and basic first aid isn’t just a feather in your cap; it’s essential as a modern parent, because, let’s face it, kids are little daredevils who will always find a way to get themselves into trouble no matter how closely you are watching them.
2. How to Cook
Sure, you might have gotten by on a diet of hot Cheetos, McDonalds, and pizza before the kids came along, but little ones need something a little more nutritious to help them grow into strong healthy young people, so if you can’t cook very well at home, now is the time to learn. The good news is, thanks to YouTube, it has never been easier to work out how to whip up a healthy casserole, so what are you waiting for?
3. The Art of Emotional Intelligence
When you have kids, you really do have to be the grownup and that means you need to be able to manage your emotions effectively even when the kids are playing up and things are not going right, oh and you haven’t slept in forever either. Because, you know what? Your kids will certainly not be great at regulating their emotions, and if that makes you lose your cool, well that won’t do anyone any good. Read up on emotional intelligence and try and improve your EQ if you want this whole paent hood thing to go smoothly.
4. The Fine Art of Negotiation
If you can convince a toddler to willingly give up their pacifier, you might as well be a UN diplomat, right? When you have little kids, everything from getting them to eat their veggies to putting their shoes on can be a battle of wills, but if you learn how to negotiate with them on their level (giving them a small choice is often helpful) those battles will become much easier for you to conquer!
5. Storytelling Like a Pro
Storytelling isn’t just for bedtime. It’s a powerful tool for teaching, entertaining, and distracting (especially in a long queue at the grocery store). Whether it’s a fairy tale or a story about your day, the ability to spin a good yarn is invaluable.
6. The Science of Sleep Scheduling
Sleep is something a lot of parents see very little of for a very long time, but it does not necessarily have to be this way, not if you can get your kids into a solid sleep schedule, anyway. To do this, you will need to tread a fine line between when your child is tired but not overtired, so it may be more trial and error than science, but it is possible and it is worth the effort!
7. Becoming a Human Lie Detector
Developing a keen sense for when your child is fibbing will really serve you well as a parent, and by paying attention and looking for their tells, it is not actually too hard of a skill to learn. Not only will this mean you are no one’s fool, but more importantly, it will help to keep your child safe because you need to know what is going on in their life to protect them effectively.
8. The Art of Distraction
Distraction is a parent’s best friend. It’s the magical ability to divert attention from the candy aisle to something less…sugary. Whether it’s a funny face, a sudden interest in a nearby tree, or an impromptu game, distraction is a skill worth honing.
9. Playing Doctor (Sort of)
No, you don’t need a medical degree, but a basic understanding of common childhood illnesses and what warrants a trip to the doctor is pretty essential if you do not want to annoy the doctor with every little sniffle, or even worse ignore those symptoms because you think they’re just a cold, when actually they are something far worse. And, of course, the more you know, the less worried you will be!
10. Being a Homework Hero
You don’t need to be Einstein, but brushing up on basic math and history can save you from a homework SOS. It’s not just about helping with their homework; it’s about showing them how to find answers and solve problems. Plus, it’s a great way to stay sharp yourself.
11. The Fine Art of Patience
Last but not least, patience. It’s the glue that holds all the other skills together. Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes you just need to take a deep breath and count to ten (or a hundred).
12. The Zen Master of Time Management
Welcome to the world of multitasking, where you’re simultaneously a chef, chauffeur, and crisis negotiator. Mastering time management is not just a skill; it’s a survival strategy. It’s about knowing when to play that educational podcast in the car or turning meal prep into a math lesson. Time management in parenting is about being efficient without feeling like you’re running a boot camp.
13. Tech Whisperer
In today’s digital age, being tech-savvy is non-negotiable. It’s not just about setting up parental controls or googling symptoms. It’s about understanding the apps your kids use, the games they play, and the digital world they inhabit. Think of it as a foreign language course where emojis replace verbs.
14. The Master of Celebrations
Birthdays, holidays, and half-birthdays (because why not) – knowing how to throw a decent celebration is key. You don’t need to be a budding Martha Stewart, but a little creativity, it is fair to say, goes a long way. It’s about making memories, starting traditions, and yes, sometimes, it’s about the perfect dinosaur-shaped cake.
15. Fitness Guru (Sort of)
You don’t need to be a bodybuilder, but staying active is important when you are a parent and you have little ones. For one thing, you want to be around for as long as possible to see them grow and thrive, right? And for others, you need to set a good example to them so that they will be active and healthy too!
16. The Whisperer of Animals and Imaginary Friends
Understanding your child’s bond with their pets or imaginary friends is important. It’s about embracing their world, whether it involves feeding their stuffed animals or setting a place at the table for Mr. Fluffles. It shows empathy and validates their feelings.
17. The Environmentalist
Teaching respect for the environment is a crucial lesson for future generations. Whether it’s recycling, gardening, or turning off the lights, it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility for the planet they’ll inherit.
18. Social Butterfly (or at least a social caterpillar)
Networking isn’t just for professionals. Playdates, parent-teacher meetings, and community events are part of the parenting gig. It’s about building a community for your child and yourself. After all, it takes a village, or at the very least, a friendly neighborhood.
19. The Zen of Dealing with Public Tantrums
Ah, the public tantrum – every parent’s nightmare. Staying calm and collected when your child melts down in aisle three is a skill. It’s about diffusing the situation without causing a scene or just smiling apologetically at onlookers while internally screaming.
20. Fashion Designer for Tiny Humans
Kids grow faster than weeds, and keeping them clothed is a task. You don’t need to be on par with fashion designers, but knowing how to mix and match, what’s season-appropriate, and when to admit defeat and go shopping is key.
21. The Super-Sleuth
Kids are curious, and they get into everything. Being one step ahead, knowing the hiding places for toys, treats, or your missing keys, is a valuable skill. It’s about having eyes at the back of your head and a sixth sense for mischief.
22. The Diplomat of Sibling Rivalry
If you have more than one child, welcome to the world of diplomacy. Mediating sibling squabbles without taking sides (even when it’s obvious who the instigator is) requires tact, fairness, and sometimes, a referee whistle.
23. Financial Wizard
Budgeting for a family is like playing a complex game of Tetris with your finances. It’s about planning for the future, saving for college, and still managing to find money for the ice cream truck. Financial savvy is a must.
24. The Keeper of Traditions
Whether it’s Sunday pancakes, bedtime stories, or holiday rituals, creating and maintaining family traditions is important. It gives your children a sense of continuity, belonging, and the warm fuzzies.
25. The Champion of Education
Being involved in your child’s education isn’t just about attending PTA meetings. It’s about fostering a love for learning, encouraging curiosity, and sometimes, learning new math so you can help with homework (seriously, when did math get so complicated?).
26. The Guru of Self-Care
Lastly, but importantly, mastering self-care. Parenting is a marathon, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or just five minutes with a hot cup of coffee, taking care of yourself is vital.
The more of these skills you are able to accumulate, the better you will be able to take care of your kids and that is the main goal of just about every parent, right? So, although it will take some time, and although it will definitely not always be easy, it is really worth taking the time to ensure you got these skills down!
