Being new parents can be daunting, especially during this pandemic. You’d want everything to be perfect for your child from the get-go. It’s no small task. Let’s be honest, parenting is the toughest job in the world, yet it doesn’t come with a manual.

All parents (even this author) make mistakes and we have to learn as we go. Read on for 5 parenting tips on the common mistakes and how you can do better!

1. Lack of communication with your family

Feeling drained after a long day of work and unable to focus on your partner and children. Sounds familiar? Making the transition from being a couple to being a family can be challenging. Always communicate your worries and concerns with your partner. At the end of the day, a family is nothing without connection.

If you are working from home, try to stick to a fixed schedule and avoid overworking. You should put aside your work when it is time to do so, and make the effort to spend quality time with your loved ones, especially the children.

Become a part of their childhood. If it’s within your means, you can hire a maid to help with daily chores so that you can focus on your family and grow with one another.

2. Comparing your child to other kids

You meant well for your child, of course. You want them to succeed and go far in life. But comparing them to other kids, especially those who are already far ahead, will lead to unnecessary stress.

This affects children’s behaviour. It can develop into low self-esteem and social anxiety as they grow up. In rare cases, the stress can lead to obesity, heart disease and even cancer. You will find them distancing themselves from you and harvesting jealousy towards other kids.

Instead, praise their strengths. Allow them to pursue their passion. Identify their problems and provide the help they need. Give them your unconditional love along with some space to grow.

3. Panicking at every downfall your child experiences

New parents would freak out when their children fall sick or have bruises on their knees. Others would panic when their kids score below 80% in exams and deem them falling behind before putting them in rigorous extra classes.

Do you remember what it was like when you were growing up? The excitement of discovery and all the adventures you had during childhood?

Being overprotective can cause your child to lack confidence when left to their own devices. Yes, we need to protect them from real dangers, but also to ensure they grow well physically, mentally and emotionally. It will do good to start planning and protecting their future.

Nobody likes to think of unfortunate events but accidents do happen. Is your children protected in the event something happens to you or your spouse? Having a life insurance plan can help to mitigate risks during their dependent years and is definitely something new parents should consider.

4. Letting technology replace you

Technology has become an essential part of life. Nowadays, young parents use smartphones as a quick-fix for their children. Students use iPads in school. Kids watch Netflix at restaurants while the parents eat.

Yes, gadgets have their place in the child’s life, but don’t let it take over your connection with them. We understand. It’s tough. Being a parent is a thankless role, and we’re here for you.

Create memories by spending quality time together. Connect and communicate with your child through various activities. Your child will grow up and be an adult one day. They won’t remember what the best smartphone you gave them. They will, however, remember the feelings they felt while spending time with you.

5. Getting caught off guard without preparation for the future

Parents need to provide for their children until they reach adulthood. That means food, clothing, healthcare, education and other necessities. You need a steady flow of income and savings for rainy days. But what if the worst happens?

In the event of sickness or death, don’t leave your family with no financial coverage. With our Term Life Insurance, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from life’s uncertainties from as low as S$1.26/day*.  Learn more here

We know how precious family time is. With us, you can enquire, quote and apply anywhere, at any time. There are plenty of reasons to buy life insurance as it allows you to worry less about money and focus on the more important things in life.

*Based on $1 million cover (20-year fixed term plan) for 30 year-old non-smoking male.

Life is a rollercoaster ride

Being new parents is a learning process. By caring for our children, we are teaching ourselves the greatest lesson of all: It is not about us. Family is the foundation for all of life’s big decisions.

So be sure to make the right choice in letting your children learn from mistakes as they grow, being there when they need you the most, and protecting your family and yourself with suitable life insurance options tailored to your needs and budget from Tiq by Etiqa. Family is, after all, the most important thing you’ll ever have.

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As buying a life insurance policy is a long-term commitment, an early termination of the policy usually involves high costs and the surrender value, if any, that is payable to you may be zero or less than the total premiums paid. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. Information is accurate as at 23 May 2021. This content is for reference only. You should seek advice from a financial adviser before deciding to purchase the policy. If you choose not to seek advice, you should consider if the policy is suitable for you. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.

A digital insurance channel that embraces changes to provide simple and convenient protection, Tiq’s mission is to make insurance transparent and accessible, inspiring you today to be prepared for life’s surprises and inevitabilities, while empowering you to “Live Unlimited” and take control of your tomorrow.

With a shared vision to change the paradigm of insurance and reshape customer experience, Etiqa created the strong foundation for Tiq. Because life never stops changing, Etiqa never stops progressing. A licensed life and general insurance company registered in the Republic of Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Etiqa is governed by the Insurance Act and has been providing insurance solutions since 1961. It is 69% owned by Maybank, Southeast Asia’s fourth largest banking group, with more than 22 million customers in 20 countries; and 31% owned by Ageas, an international insurance group with 33 million customers across 16 countries.

Discover the full range of Tiq online insurance plans here.