Parenting is Stressful- But You Can Handle it!
If you have children or know someone with children, you already know the stress that comes along with being a parent. Research has shown how dealing with disruptive behavior from children chips away at parental confidence over time (Hightower-Henson & Wymbus, 2024). Generally, the more disruptive behaviors that a parent encounters, the lower their self-esteem is likely to be as a parent (Hightower-Henson & Wymbus, 2024). However, it is possible to still practice healthy parenting strategies and consequently improve your child’s outcomes by dedicating attention to your own self-esteem as a parent.
Confidence in Parenting- Does it Matter?
Believe it or not, your self-esteem as a parent stretches a long way when it comes to your child’s outcomes. According to one study, maternal self-efficacy scores are significantly associated with 6 different outcomes in children, suggesting that children with confident parents have better outcomes developmentally (Coleman & Karraker, 2003). This study also suggests that high self-efficacy in parents is generally associated with a greater interest in parenting activities and practices (Coleman & Karraker, 2003).
Long story short, your confidence as a parent plays a big role in your effectiveness as a parent. Confident kids come from confident parents!
Self Esteem Quiz- How Confident are You? Take the Quiz Below.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/personality/self-esteem-test
3 Tips to Improve Your Parental Self-Esteem- Inspired by BrightHorizons.com
1. Empower yourself with knowledge
We live in a world with so much information at our fingertips. To feel more confident in your parenting abilities, dedicate some time to enhance your skills through literature, classes, educational videos, and even support groups with other parents.
2. Avoid comparing yourself to other parents
Ever heard of the phrase, “Comparison is the thief of joy,”? It is especially applicable when it comes to parenting. Each parent has their own specific circumstances, including you!
3. Give yourself some grace
While many people describe parenting as the greatest joy they’ve experienced in their life, there is no shame in admitting how hard it can be. Parenting is no easy job, and every parent makes mistakes big and small. Forgive yourself for past mistakes so that you can move forward with improvements in mind.
Reflection Question: Through what small actions can YOU improve your confidence as a parent?
Written By:
Alejandra Vargas de Gomar
Samantha Laube-Alvesteffer
References
Coleman, P. K., & Karraker, K. H. (2003a). Maternal self‐efficacy beliefs, competence in parenting, and toddlers’ behavior and developmental status. Infant Mental Health Journal, 24(2), 126–148. https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.10048
Having confidence in your parenting style, approach, and decisions. Bright Horizons | Having Confidence in Your Parenting Style, Approach, and Decisions | Bright Horizons®. (n.d.). https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/article/confident-parenting
Hightower-Henson, S. R., & Wymbs, B. T. (2024). Testing parenting self-esteem as an indicator of mothers and fathers who are at risk for aversive responses to disruptive child behavior. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-024-01231-8
