As parents, we stress great importance and pay way too much attention to our children’s academic performance and extracurricular activities that we sometimes neglect to devote time and resources to cultivating other significant components of our kid’s growth and development — to be a kind and considerate human as they become part of a community.
Although there is nothing wrong with ensuring that they study well, finish their homework, and arrive on time for football practice or dancing lessons, the urgency and the need to oppose the ubiquitous messages that promote instant gratification, materialism, and greed present in our culture must also be addressed.
Chores equate to responsibilities
When kids are provided a planned list of age-appropriate tasks and chores to complete at home, they develop a sense of responsibility and skills to set priorities, which would be vital for them later in life.
Even simple tasks such as setting the table, sweeping the floor, making their bed, or cleaning your low-maintenance vinyl windows will set the tone right. Working hard and believing that they are adding to the well-being of the family helps children feel proud and confident of themselves and, as a result, they grow up to be happier individuals.
No matter what task you choose to give your children, strive to suit the duties you want them to do and remember not to give chores as punishments. Giving children jobs increases their self-esteem, teaches them the value of having and completing a purpose, and demonstrates the importance of keeping things tidy and regimented.
Investing in building empathy in your children
One of the core elements and traits your child needs to develop is to have the ability to think critically and put themselves in another’s shoes to evaluate their emotions and opinions properly. According to reports, the ability to recognize and comprehend one’s own emotions and the emotions of others has been demonstrated to be a critical component of life’s success.
Make an effort to understand your children’s emotions by creating a safe space and allowing them to express their feelings genuinely. Being openly concerned about their well-being fosters empathy in them. When a disagreement arises between them and their friends, advise them to consider how their friends might feel and demonstrate practical methods of regulating their emotions and working toward a constructive settlement.
Lifting themselves and others
Tales of children participating in bullying, abuse, and other willful misconduct frequently making headlines are alarming, and parents, as well as other adults surrounding them, need to reassess the way they help mold these children.
During the process of encouraging good behaviors such as smiling at their teachers or a pat on their friend’s back to at least make their day a bit better, be sure to discuss the negative consequences of destructive behaviors and the harm it does to people when one starts spreading rumors and engage in bullying others both physically and online.
Manners before knowledge
How often does your kid use common courtesy and etiquette, including the use of phrases such as “Please” and “Thank you”? Is she courteous to others, and does she respect people older than her? When she loses a game with her pals, does she accept defeat gracefully? More importantly, does she respect you?
Never forget that it is your responsibility as a parent to raise and help mold your child as they step out of their comfort zone, and make their way into the real world and write the pages of their own story. That tiny child on your arms right now would be under the same roof with you and continue to engage with you daily until they decide to leave the nest. Therefore, use this time wisely to make a significant difference in bringing them up to this world.
You are your child’s first role model
Children learn from watching people around them and observing their surroundings. Thus, one of the most successful ways to raise your child with respect is to model these behaviors yourself. Consider the tone with which you communicate with your child.
Assess your own style of speaking, behaving, and even reasoning, especially when you are dissatisfied with something, and make an effort to have a kind and respectful tone and approach while interacting with your kid, especially when discussing a mistake or disobedience with them.
Even though your children aren’t looking, think about how you connect with other people. The fact is that you have a direct impact on the way your kids will be as adults. If you wish to nurture a reasonably good child, model your behavior after the manner where you’d like your child to behave.
