The Path to Becoming a Better Parent

It Doesn’t Start with a Perfect Morning

This morning, my son hid under the bed. Again.

We were already 20 minutes behind schedule; the toast was burnt, his socks were mysteriously missing, and I could feel the tension rising like steam from my untouched black coffee.

I knelt beside the bed, trying to keep my voice calm.

“I don’t want to go. It’s loud. And the teacher says to sit still the whole time!” he shouted, his voice muffled by a pile of comic books and Legos.

At that moment, a thousand thoughts raced through my mind — my training, my tools, my tiredness.

But louder than all of that was this one whisper:

“What does a better parent do right now?”

Spoiler: The answer wasn’t in a perfect script.

It wasn’t a step-by-step Pinterest plan.

It was in connection, curiosity, and just showing up — again.

Let’s Get Real About “Better”

We live in a world that sells perfect parenting like it’s a product:

Gentle but firm

Fun but structured

Creative but calm at all times

And for parents of neurodiverse children — who might melt down in supermarkets, speak out of turn in class, or avoid eye contact at family dinners — the pressure is even heavier.

But here’s the truth:

Becoming a better parent isn’t about being calm all the time.

It’s about what you do after the storm.

The Real Work: Inside the Messy Moments

When I sat on the floor next to my son that morning, I didn’t try to fix everything.

I asked one question:

“Can you help me understand what part of school feels the hardest today?”

He peeked out from under the bed. “The bell. It’s too loud. I hate it. It makes my chest feel like it’s shaking.”

That moment of honesty cracked something open.

It reminded me that behaviour is never random.

It’s communication in disguise.

So What Does Becoming a Better Parent Look Like?

Not one-size-fits-all charts. Not trendy techniques.

It looks like this:

Seeing behaviour as a message, not a problem

Offering two simple choices when things spiral: “Do you want to wear your red shoes or your sneakers?”

Using play to diffuse resistance: “Let’s race to the car like cheetahs!”

Letting go of shame when you lose your cool — and repairing quickly: “I got frustrated. I’m sorry. Let’s try again.”

Tracking the little wins, like brushing teeth without a meltdown or putting on socks without a chase

And most importantly…

Believing you’re doing your best — and that counts.

Try This: “The Parent Pause Ritual”

Here’s a simple daily activity that’s helped me reconnect when the day feels overwhelming:

At the end of the day, ask yourself three things:

What went well today? (Even if it’s tiny!)What felt hard?What can I try differently tomorrow — just one thing?

Write it down in a notebook. Not for anyone else. Just for you.

This five-minute pause turns guilt into growth. It builds patterns of reflection that shape the way we respond, not just react.

Final Thoughts: There’s No Perfect Parent — Just a Present One

If no one told you today — you’re doing enough.

You’re learning, adjusting, showing up.

That IS the path.

So the next time your child throws a tantrum, slams the door, or hides under a pile of comic books — don’t ask yourself, “Am I a good parent?”

Ask yourself, “What is this moment trying to teach me?”

Then breathe. Try again. You’re already becoming the parent your child needs.

Need a bit of support on your parenting path?

Let’s talk it through.

Book a 1:1 consult with me here Recommended Resources to Support YouHelpful Tools for Home

For those moments when you need to redirect big emotions or bring calm through play, a sensory toy can work wonders. Consider:

Twiddlers 5‑Piece Fidget & Bubble Lava Set – A versatile set of tactile toys—bubble lava, squishy gel, and fidget tools—that can help your child self-regulate when big feelings rise. Perfect for brushing-time standoffs or transition struggles, and easily picked up.Free Courses to Deepen Your Parent-Craft

Want to explore strategies rooted in practical psychology? These free courses complement your parenting journey beautifully:

Advanced Parenting Skills – Dive into relationship-driven approaches and learn how to mentor rather than manage behaviour. Positive Parenting Skills & Techniques – Offers actionable tools for building trust, encouraging cooperation, and nurturing resilience. Special Needs School Shadow Support – Ideal for parents of neurodiverse kids—establishes visual routines, de-escalation methods, and inclusive strategies.

All are entirely free to enrol and complete, with optional certificates if you’d like to add them to your professional or personal toolbox.

What to Do With These ResourcesUse the fidget set during challenging routines, such as brushing, mornings, and transitions.Pick one course that resonates with your current challenge and commit to a weekly 20-minute module.Reflect weekly: Implement one new tip, observe your child’s reaction, and write down what worked.

By pairing simple sensory tools with intentional learning and small experiments, you’re not just reacting to challenging days—you’re shaping a more empowered parenting path.