Did you miss the parenting skills section in your postpartum care instructions? You’re not the only one. Although it would be great to send your baby home with a “how to” guide, the part of parenting is learning by doing (and sometimes failing).

What if instead of trying to find your way by accident, you had a map, like a checklist of essential parenting skills, that would guide you in the right direction.

What are the most important Parenting Skills?

It shouldn’t surprise that certain parenting methods produce better results than others. All parents want their children happy and healthy. However, our goals and circumstances can influence our parenting decisions.

Robert Epstein, a senior researcher psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, attempted to identify which parenting skills were most crucial. He looked at data from 2,000 parents who took an online parenting skill test to determine which parenting techniques lead to happy, healthy and successful children.

1. Love and Affection

Good parenting results are based on loving your children. It includes unconditional love, support and acceptance. This also emphasizes the importance of one-on-one contact with your child.

2. Stress Management

It is important to learn relaxation and stress management techniques for your child.

3. Healthy Relationships

This is where you can model and maintain healthy relationships with others (spouse/significant other, spouse, coworkers, family members, etc.).

4. Autonomy and Independence

Parents who encourage autonomy and independence in their children show that they value and believe in them.

5. Education and Learning

At home, teaching children how to become lifelong learners starts at home. Your child will learn by modeling learning and valuing education.

6. Life Skills

This category includes planning for the future and providing for your child’s basic needs. This includes teaching your child to be positive about obstacles and challenges. It helps build resilience and perseverance.

7. Behavior Management

Positive discipline relies on positive reinforcement. They also use consequences (not punishment) in a gentle and firm way. This helps children feel connected, capable, and part of a family.

This reduces or eliminates yelling and harsh verbal discipline which, according to a 2014 studyTrusted Source, is harmful for developing adolescents.