32 Parenting Tips & Advice To Succeed For New Parents

Parenting is often a guessing game – what will work? Wha won’t? Does anything we do really matter!?

This post is to help you with some science-based guidance. Research has looked at some very practical parenting tips. 

We’ve waded through the sea of information (and misinformation) to bring you 32 practical, science-backed tips that’ll help you navigate parenthood.  

So, grab your favorite caffeinated beverage (no judgment here), and let’s dive into some parenting pearls of wisdom. 

Keeping this framework in mind, let’s dive into (get it?) 32 tips for navigating your Yellow Parenting Submarine.

33 Best Parenting Tips for New Parents (& Older Ones!)

Want some great tips? Learn from these science-backed tips and my general advice below.

Use Submarine Parenting, Not Helicopter Parenting

Helicopter parents are those who seemingly hover over every aspect of their child’s lives, (perhaps excessively) participating in their upbringing and helping to pave their path. Studies show that the children of helicopter parents actually suffer— they tend to be less resilient, more anxious, and less willing to try new things, all of which lead to struggles and stunted development later in life.

So what’s the solution?

Instead of being a helicopter parent, now trends are leaning towards being a “submarine parent,” or someone who keeps an eye on what’s going on in their kids’ lives, but rather than swoop in and rescue them at the first sight of trouble, they let their children see and understand common struggles.

But, when trouble occurs, a submarine parent can pop up from under the surface and help out.

Let’s take a look at how submarine parenting differs from helicopter parenting:

Aspect	Helicopter Parenting	Submarine Parenting
Involvement	Constant hovering and intervention	Observing from a distance, intervening when necessary
Problem-solving	Parents solve problems for children	Children encouraged to solve problems independently
Risk-taking	Minimizes all risks	Allows age-appropriate risks
Decision-making	Parents make most decisions	Children make age-appropriate decisions
Failure	Prevents failure at all costs	Views failure as a learning opportunity
Communication	Frequent check-ins and monitoring	Open communication, but respects privacy
Independence	Limited, due to constant parental involvement	Encouraged, with parental support as needed
Emotional resilience	Often lower, due to lack of challenging experiences	Higher, due to facing and overcoming challenges

Here’s the thing: it’s perfectly OK to let your kids fall down sometimes; that’s how they learn to get back up (and provide you with hilarious stories for future family gatherings).

Consistency is key

Children thrive on predictability, but maintaining consistency can be challenging. Here’s a system to help: Create a visual “House Rules” chart with 3-5 key family rules. Review the rules together daily, praising adherence. Implement a consistent consequence system for rule-breaking. 

In fact, studies have shown that children who experience more consistent parenting have fewer depressive and physical health symptoms, whereas inconsistent parental behavior has been linked with behavior problems. 

Examples of consistency:

• If you ask your child to eat their veggies, don’t waver! Make a consistent amount of veggies that must be consumed with each meal and stick to it.
• Do you have cleanliness or tidiness you prefer in your house? Make sure everyone knows how you want each room to look and when you like to have a clean up routine.

“Good Enough” Parenting

There’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Cut yourself some slack! Psychologists argue that “good enough” parenting is actually beneficial for children, as it teaches them resilience and problem-solving skills. So, remember to:

• Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process, for both you and your child.
• Use mishaps as teaching moments, modeling resilience and problem-solving.
• Practice self-compassion when things don’t go as planned. 

Are you a perfectionist when it comes to your goals? Hint: This may actually do more harm than good! Here’s how to really conquer your goals, the right way:

Make time for play

Play is as important for development as it is for fun. Research shows that play is essential for developing social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self-regulation skills. Get down on the floor and be silly!

Schedule daily playtime, even if it’s just 15-20 minutes. 

• Let your child lead the play, following their interests and imagination. 
• Engage fully, putting aside distractions and adult concerns.

Encourage reading

Make reading a daily habit from infancy. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, reading aloud is great for brain stimulation and the development of critical social-emotional-language skills. Create a cozy reading nook in your home to make it more inviting!

Limit screen time

On the flip side, excessive screen time can stunt the development of key social-emotional-language skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids under 18 months, except for video chatting. For older children, set clear boundaries and choose high-quality, educational content when screens are used.

Trust your instincts

Your intuition about your child is a quiet voice, easily drowned out by daily noise. To hear it clearly:

• Create a daily “worry window”: 10 minutes of focused reflection on your child.
  • During this time, ask yourself: “What’s the one thing about my child that I can’t shake today?” 
  • If something surfaces, don’t react. Instead, gently investigate. Engage your child in open-ended conversation about their day, friends, or feelings.
• Keep a “hunch journal.” Brief entries, just a sentence or two. Over time, patterns may emerge that validate or dispel your concerns.”

Practice active listening

Put down your phone and really tune in when your child is talking. This builds trust and improves communication. Try the “repeat back” technique: summarize what your child said to ensure you understood correctly.

Pro Tip: Want to take it a step further? You can use your body language to show deep active listening! Read on to find out: The 7 Most Charismatic Cues to Use While Listening

Encourage independence

Let your kids try things on their own, even if it means a mess sometimes. This encourages self-reliance and confidence. Here’s how:

• Start small—let toddlers dress themselves or preschoolers make their own snacks.
• Create a designated “independence zone” where kids can safely explore and try things on their own.
• Resist the urge to intervene immediately when you see your child struggling with a task.

Model the behavior you want to see

Kids are like sponges—they’ll absorb your actions more than your words. Be the person you want your child to become:

• Identify key core values you want to instill (e.g., kindness, respect, honesty).
• Consciously demonstrate these values in your daily interactions. 
• Narrate your positive actions to make them more explicit for your child. 

Fun Fact: There are hundreds of core values that go beyond kindness and being honest. Want the full list? We got you covered: 300+ Core Values You’ll Ever Need For Work, Relationships, and Life

Prioritize sleep

A well-rested family is a happier family. Here’s how to make quality sleep a priority:

• Establish consistent bedtime routines for both kids and adults. 
• Create a sleep-friendly environment: dark, quiet, and cool.
• Limit screen time before bed, opting for calming activities like reading or gentle stretching.

You can refer to the National Sleep Foundation for more detailed sleep guidelines for every age group.

Praise effort, not just results

This builds a growth mindset and resilience. Instead of saying “You’re so smart!” try “I love how hard you worked on that problem!” This encourages children to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties.

Create a “yes” environment

Childproof your space so you can say “yes” more often than “no.” This reduces power struggles and encourages exploration. Here’s how you can do it:

• Remove or secure potential hazards. 
• Designate “yes” areas where your child can freely explore.
  • Offer alternatives when saying “no” (e.g., “We can’t draw on walls, but you can use this easel”).

Use positive reinforcement

Catch your kids being good and praise them for it. This encourages repeat behavior. Be specific in your praise: “I noticed you shared your toy with your sister. That was very kind!”

Positive reinforcement can be way more helpful (and safer) than negative reinforcement! Here’s how to do it properly: Positive Reinforcement: What is It and How Does it Work?

Practice mindfulness

Take a few deep breaths before reacting to stressful situations. This helps model emotional regulation for your children. 

Try some of the mindfulness activities recommended in our article: 30 Mindfulness Activities To Keep Your Mind Calm (At Any Age)

Be a safe haven

Let your kids know they can always come to you, no matter what. This builds trust and open communication. Practice non-judgmental listening and avoid overreacting to build this trust:

• Regularly remind your child that they can come to you with anything, no matter how big or small. 
• Practice active, non-judgmental listening when your child shares concerns or mistakes. 
• Control your reactions, especially to surprising or upsetting information.

Use natural consequences as teaching experiences

Let minor mishaps be learning experiences. For example, if your child refuses to wear a coat, let them feel cold (within reason). This teaches cause-and-effect better than lectures. More generally, try to identify situations where natural consequences are safe and appropriate. 

• Resist the urge to rescue your child from minor discomforts or inconveniences.
• Use reflective questions to help your child process the experience: “How did it feel when…?”

By allowing them to experience the natural results of their choices, you’re preparing them for real-world problem-solving.

Develop emotional intelligence

Help your kids name and understand their feelings. Emotional intelligence is vital for your child’s social and personal well-being. Here’s how to help them develop this skill:

• Create an “emotion vocabulary” chart with faces and words to help kids identify feelings. 
• Practice “emotion coaching” in daily interactions:
  • Acknowledge your child’s feelings without judgment. 
  • Help them name the emotion they’re experiencing. 
  • Discuss appropriate ways to express and manage that emotion.

Teach responsibility

Give age-appropriate chores to build confidence and life skills. Even toddlers can help sort laundry or feed pets. Praise their efforts and gradually increase responsibilities as they grow. Here’s how to approach it:

• Create a “family contributions” chart with age-appropriate tasks for each child. 
• Start small: toddlers can help sort laundry, preschoolers can set the table.
• Praise effort and improvement rather than perfection in task completion.

Make mealtimes family time

Eat together as often as possible. It’s linked to better academic performance and fewer behavioral problems. Use this time to connect, share stories, and model healthy eating habits.

Don’t compare

Every child develops at their own pace. Focus on your child’s individual progress. Celebrate their unique strengths and support areas where they need extra help:

• Keep a “growth journal” to track your child’s personal milestones and achievements.
  • Focus on improvement rather than fixed standards: “You’re reading more fluently than last month!” 
• Identify and nurture your child’s specific strengths and interests.

Practice self-care

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself to be a better parent. Here’s how to practice self-care:

• Schedule regular “me time” whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or simply a quiet cup of coffee
• Create a list of quick, rejuvenating activities for when time is limited. 
• Enlist support from partners, family, or friends to ensure you get your self-care time. 

Encourage curiosity

Children love to ask questions. Answer them patiently and develop a love of learning. Remember to:

• Respond to questions with enthusiasm, even if you’ve heard them before. 
• Model curiosity by sharing your own wonderings and discoveries. 
• When you don’t know something, use it as an opportunity to demonstrate how to find information and learn together. This satisfies their curiosity and also develops problem-solving and research skills!

Curiosity is a lifelong journey, for both children and parents alike! Here’s how to learn in the most (scientifically) efficient ways possible: 20 Effective Ways You Can Learn How to Learn

Set boundaries

It’s okay to say no. Kids need limits to feel secure. Be clear about your expectations and the reasons behind rules; this helps children understand and internalize family values. Here’s how to set effective boundaries:

• Create a family “code of conduct” that outlines key rules and values.
  • Explain the reasoning behind rules to help children understand their importance. 
• Be consistent in enforcing boundaries, while showing empathy for your child’s feelings.

Show affection

Hugs, kisses, and “I love yous” are powerful. Physical touch releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which strengthens your relationship and makes your child feel secure.

Be present

Quality time beats quantity. Give your full attention when you’re with your kids. Put away devices and engage in activities they enjoy, even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day.

Teach problem-solving

Guide them through challenges instead of solving everything for them to build critical thinking skills. Use the “SODAS” method: 

• Situation: Define the problem clearly. Who’s involved? What’s the issue?
• Options: Brainstorm 2-3 possible solutions. Don’t judge ideas yet.
• Disadvantages: List 1-3 cons for each option. Every choice has drawbacks.
• Advantages: Identify 1-3 pros for each option. Find the silver lining.
• Solution: Choose the best option based on your analysis. Remember, there’s rarely a perfect solution.

Celebrate differences

Teach your kids to appreciate diversity from an early age. It builds empathy, tolerance, and enriches their worldview. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Read books featuring diverse characters.
• Consume, practice and appreciate art (e.g., music and film), cuisine, and traditions from different cultures.
• Encourage discussions about differences, emphasizing respect, curiosity, and appreciation.

Practice patience

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is good behavior. Remember that your child’s brain is still developing. Take deep breaths and count to ten when you feel your patience wearing thin.

Use humor 

Laughter can defuse tense situations and make parenting more fun. Try silly voices, make up funny songs, or have a dance party to lighten the mood during challenging moments.

If you feel like you’re as funny as a stalk of corn, worry no more. Read our article (guaranteed to make you at least a little funnier): How to Be Funny: 8 Easy Steps to Improve Your Humor

Encourage sibling bonds

Developing strong sibling relationships can create a lifelong support system. Here’s how to nurture these important connections:

• Create regular “sibling time” where kids engage in cooperative, not competitive, activities together. 
• Implement a “compliment circle” at dinner, where siblings share what they appreciate about each other. 
• Avoid comparisons and instead celebrate each child’s unique strengths.

Trust the process

Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the journey! Take photos, keep a journal, and savor the small moments. They grow up faster than you think.

Best Books for Parenting Wisdom

Want to dive deeper? Here are some top-notch parenting books to add to your nightstand:

1. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

This is a classic that offers practical strategies for effective communication with your children. It provides scripts and real-life scenarios to help you navigate tricky conversations.

2. The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource for Your Child’s First Four Years by Tara Haelle and Emily Willingham

Written by two scientific journalists, this book takes a scientific approach to parenting, offering evidence-based advice for your child’s early years.

3. Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham 

This book focuses on regulating your own emotions to create a peaceful home environment and foster a deeper connection with your child.

4. The Science of Mom: A Research-Based Guide to Your Baby’s First Year by Alice Green Callahan

This book provides another scientific approach to parenting, offering research-based guidance for navigating your baby’s crucial first year.

5. Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne

This book offers a path to simpler, more effective parenting in overwhelming, over-scheduled times. It provides practical ways to reduce stress and increase connection in your family life.

Navigating the Parenting Journey 

Parenting can be stressful, but it can also be one of the most fulfilling things you’ll do in your life. Remember these key tips:

• Move away from overbearing “helicopter parenting” to “submarine parenting,” which encourages independence while providing support when truly needed.

• Encouraging independence through age-appropriate tasks
• Making time for play to encourage healthy socioemotional development
• Developing emotional intelligence with “emotion coaching”
• Setting boundaries while explaining the reasons behind rules
• Practicing self-care to be a more effective parent

Remember: trust yourself, love unconditionally, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. As the proverb goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” 

Looking for more science-based advice on raising healthy, well-adjusted kids? Check out our article for more: 13 Social Skills to Help You Win in Life