The key thing to remember is that there’s no such thing as the perfect parent. Awesome parents strive to continuously learn how to improve their skills to best help their children navigate each stage of life. However, there are some common mistakes parents make. The good news is knowing about these mistakes will help you avoid them: 1) Be Flexible. Try different tools, tips, and skills to see how your child responds best; 2) Do not spank your child. This 2016 study shows a direct link between aggressive behaviors in children and spanking; 3) Explain why bad behavior isn’t tolerated. It’s not enough to admonish or punish your child. They need to know what’s ‘bad’ about their actions; 4) Set rules and be consistent with discipline. Follow through! 5) Know your own needs and limit.