Parenting Strategies to Challenge and Empower Your Children

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A good leader builds teams that are productive, independent, and fulfilled. As parents, we can aim for the same with our kids by using effective parenting strategies to create a safe and supportive environment for growth.

Before diving into any specific strategies, there are of course essentials:

  • Love our kids unconditionally.
  • Be present.
  • Be patient.
  • Encourage independence by not doing things kids can do themselves.
  • Support their interests.
  • Be a role model.

With these essentials in place, we can explore specific parenting strategies that help foster growth and independence. Here are my top picks:

4 Parenting Strategies

Explain why

One of the most effective parenting strategies is to explain the "why" behind your requests.

By explaining why, you foster teamwork rather than a top-down approach. Children feel respected, valued, and are more likely to cooperate. This builds their sense of judgment and helps them internalize positive behaviors and make better decisions.

Avoid “because I said so” at all costs.

For example, we try to limit sugar consumption with the kids and go over the details of why we do that and the negative effects of sugar.

The last time they had a treat at home and then went out with the babysitter, who offered them a second treat, the kids told her they had already had a treat.

While it won’t always be perfect, aiming for partnership can transform the dynamics in your home.

Your kids are not you

Here’s what Khalil Gibran says in his book, The Prophet:

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

Remember that your kids are not you.

They might start like you, but they will discover their personality, likes and dislikes, and passions.

If you don’t adjust your expectations and understand this concept, raising them will always be challenging, and you will feel disappointed. Kids can sense disappointment, especially when it feels unfair.

Set boundaries with empathy

This is one of the complicated topics and parenting strategies, with many perspectives.

I am not a child psychologist or an expert by any means, but here’s my experience as a dad:

Balance is key—allow kids to test limits but establish firm boundaries when they push too far. The combination of boundaries and explaining “why” is transformative.

You need to choose what works for you as a parent. We tried Joe Newman’s approach from Raising Lions with our youngest kids.

Newman emphasizes using action-based consequences, which allow children to experience outcomes directly, internalize lessons, and better manage emotions.

For example, if your child throws a major tantrum or hits their sibling, calmly place them in a “quiet space,” explain why, and let them know they can leave once calm.

That last part is important because it teaches them that their actions determine the outcome.

This approach teaches them that their actions determine the outcome, fostering emotional regulation and accountability.

Challenge appropriately

Give your children challenges within their reach—not too hard, not too easy. This will nurture their resilience and confidence.

Easy challenges aren’t effective, and overly hard challenges may lead to frustration or rebellion. Gradually increasing difficulty encourages a growth mindset.

For example, I work out with my twins every weekend. We started with walks, moved to runs, and eventually started rucking.

We also do weekly challenges that end with a small “surprise,” a little toy or something they choose. For example, the last challenge was 10 days in a row of practicing piano and preparing snacks for school before bedtime, every day.

It was hard. Sometimes, they forget to practice and remember right before bedtime when they go to the fridge to add their checkmark. So, they go in and practice piano at night.

After doing this challenge 2 or 3 times, practicing piano is not “challenging” anymore.

Celebrating small successes along the way helps them feel accomplished and motivates them to keep going.

conclusion

Parenting, like leadership, is about empowering others.

Parenting strategies, in addition to instinct and love, can help you achieve that goal.

When you explain your reasons, set empathetic boundaries, challenge appropriately, and respect your children’s individuality, you create an environment where they can grow confidently.

By seeing your kids as individuals with their own personalities and setting firm yet understanding limits, you’re equipping them for the real world.

It’s not about controlling their every action but giving them the tools to thrive independently. This journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, partnership, and raising resilient, thoughtful human beings who can face life’s challenges with strength and confidence.

Thank you so much for reading!