Being a remarkable parent is about being noticed as extraordinary parents, but by who? Being remarkable is in the eyes of our kids! How can we be more remarkable to these little ones today?

What does it mean to be remarkable? I have thought I am pretty important in the lives of certain people or that I bring joy to some others, but what does remarkable mean? I would not necessarily label myself as remarkable for fear of sounding arrogant. So why, then, did I put such a big word out there? I know that to one little person in this world I have the chance to be remarkable with a few, very critical, actions on a daily basis. It may not cease wars or stop hunger, but starting with this little one that is in my care for the next few years has a major impact on the world. Here are some ideas on how to be a remarkable parent!

#1 – Adore your kids.
Adoring your kids is huge! Although this may sound like an obvious thing, I really think it needs mentioning. There is no one way to love your kids. For me, it is displayed in quality time and attention – even if it is not something I can readily give at each moment she may want it. It has been said the best way to show someone that you love them is to be consistent. Consistency for kids is of the utmost importance and our kids want to know we are there for them and that they are safe. Part of this is doing what you say. So, love your kids today. Hug them, kiss them, really spend some good quality time with them.

#2 – Get back with them.
As parents, we do not know everything (even if ometimes we like to think we do). Let your kids know from a young age that it is alright to not know everything. If they ask you a question and you do not know the answer, say so. Let them know that you will try to find the answer out for them and make some time to find out for them. Do not just make something up. This can create so much confusion in their minds. As parents, it is our job to guide our kids. Letting them know that even mom and dad don't know everything gives them the self-esteem to know that they, too, cannot know everything.

#3 – Smile, be nice, and apologize.
A smile from a parent to their child is one of the greatest gifts - not only because it gives your child affirmation and a sense of love, but because usually that little one smiles back! You don't need to slap one on to be fake or patronizing, but when you and your little one are talking or when you walk into a room with anyone, show them how important a smile really is. Smiles signify confidence and this will teach our kids a great deal of self-confidence. Being nice is not something we see often, and surely it is a principle we want to teach our kids. When you make a mistake with your kids, don't forget to apologize. It is not a failure as a parent to blow up at our kids after a long day when they are acting out because they are tired. Simply apologize to them. They will understand a mistake better than they will misunderstand a punishment. Teaching our kids that our pride is not more important than making things right is a huge concept. Mean what you say when you say it and be consistent.

#4 – Make dates.
Make some time each week to spend doing something special with your kids. Maybe it’s a Friday night movie in your bed or special hikes on Saturday morning. Whatever it is, be consistent (back to #1) and do it each week. If you cannot make it one week, make sure and let your kids know in advance as soon as possible and offer them a rain check!

#5 – Money Talks.
Many people think that being a remarkable parent requires spending 24-7 with our kids, cuddling, running, playing, and providing everything in this world that they may want. Our kids want us, not things. Providing basic needs is one thing, but becoming overworking parents because we feel our kids need more is another. Enough is enough. If we start from a young age giving them time and teach them that time is more valuable than money the expectation of things will dramatically decline.

Spending quality time with our kids does not necessarily take quantity. Making commitments to them, keeping those commitments, being consistent, and truly making time for them is huge! Today, try to spend 20 more minutes of quality time with your kids than you would on any other day, and begin to see the difference.

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