Over the decades there have been many different theories and opposing attitudes regarding the best way to raise a child. It is quite understandably a sensitive issue, becoming ever more interesting as children’s rights become a formalized thing.
Now that we have some respect for our young, we also understand the importance of the way a child is treated as it reflects in the child’s personality, and stays with him/her as he/she grows. Whether you raise a Debbie Downer or a Positive Polly is all up to the time you devote to your child.
It is essential that children be raised in a family in which they feel satisfied with their achievements, and, as a parent, you need to help your child become competent and self-assured, and to encourage them to grow a sense of passion and purpose. In order to do that, you have to be patient, dedicated and persistent, and I advise you to read this article to find out if you are, maybe unconsciously, neglecting certain crucial aspects of successful parenting.
Encourage Special Skills
Every child is a unique individual with unique talents and interests. In order to encourage and develop those gifts, you can sign your child up for music lessons for example, or dance lessons, or sports, etc. But make sure you do not overclock their schedule and throw a load of lessons at them at once, lest they feel overwhelmed and lose interest. You could find a hobby for yourself, so that your child can see you try something new, which may in turn inspire them to act the same.
Praise Their Efforts
Instead of telling them that they are smart or talented, you should praise your children for their hard work. When they believe that their achievements are the result of innate abilities, they are more reluctant to face challenges, so it is important that they believe in learning new skills. If you give your child a task, for example to clean up after themselves, try to praise their effort even if they didn’t complete the task as successfully as you would have done. Later, in their absence, you could finish the task yourself.
Read with Them
Remember, it is never too early to start reading to your kid. Even if they are still too young to understand you, your kids will learn to notice the rhythms of language. Reading encourages language development, reading skills, and future success in school. Reading from an early age helps children set emotionally as well.
Let Them Educate Themselves
Believe it or not, the toys we choose for our children can make a difference in their development. Kids can gain something from any toy, really, or anything they regard as a toy. However, the depth of these new skills depend on the interaction between the kid and the toy, and the range of opportunities the toy provides. Educational toys are a step ahead. Namely, educational toys encourage specific learning areas and enhance natural gifts, they boost creativity, improve thinking skills, develop literacy, music, math and science skills, etc. Most other toys can go so far as to help develop motor skills.
Strict Sleeping Routine
Establishing a bedtime can be highly effective, and you should remember to turn off computer and TV at least half an hour beforehand. The reason for this is not merely being strict, it is supported by science.
Spending Quality Time Together
Spend enough time with your children, take them to theatre, to cultural events, and, most importantly, hug them throughout the day. Hugs help ease any tension they might feel and give your children a sense of security. Studies of children who were neglected have shown that children who don’t receive affection are more likely to suffer from chronic stress, which in turn can disturb the parts of the brain responsible for concentration, memory, and learning – as if being stressed out wasn’t bad enough. Hug your child.
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