Bringing up kids in today’s world is a whole new ball game in comparison to 25 years ago. Times have changed. Our modern lifestyle today is a technology driven one where technology itself in as much as being a boon to society is also a curse distracting children from healthy outdoor activity and learning social skills.. Such factors then become a challenge for parents who either give in to demands or are firm in establishing ground rules.
In a social study at Harvard University, Psychologists addressed these very same issues and concluded that parents who raise their children well usually have 5 factors in common. Thus here are 5 secrets to raising a good kid.
Just being physically present at home isn’t enough, it does not constitute as quality time. Family bonding between kids and parents need to be free from external influences such as the Xbox and smartphones. Communication is important and that cannot be done while your child is busy on Snapchat and you are watching television.
Communication works wonders and conveys the emotion of caring. Sharing ideas and experiences, a bit of laughter and general discussions are important in establishing a closer bond between parent and child. Do not relay your experiences as gospel truth but rather offer advice about life in general and allow the child to experience similar things from their own perspective. Discuss about common likes, games and topics that would be fun for both. Such an experience will cultivate the very same attitude in a child who will grow yup to be an equally caring and responsible adult.
Where little children are concerned, cultivate the love for reading and read a bedtime story to them if you have too. Ask them about their day at school encouraging them to narrate both good and bad experiences which helps in finding a common solution to problems.
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The learning and observation process for children begins when they are young. What you do is what your child will become which is why you need to be attentive to their actions and be prepared to admit faults and mistakes. The social development of your child depends on how you behave as a person thus fairness, honesty and caring should be the three foremost virtues emanating from your own character because such habits will also be displayed by your child.
The motive for being sincere and caring personas to teach your child humility, sincerity and self respect. Admit your mistakes and apologize for them. Set aside some self time so that you revitalize your own energy. You too need an emotionally healthy disposing when raising a child.
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Children need to develop social skills that teach them to display a positive attitude in the presence of others. Teaching your children to be caring and unselfish will help them in becoming better human beings. To quote psychologists form Harvard: “it’s very important to hear from parents and caretakers that caring for others is a top priority and that is just as important as their own happiness.”
The secrets to raising a good kid requires holding children to high ethical expectations. In order to teach them to do the right thing you will have to be a role model. Always honor their commitments and remind them of their own responsibilities and obligations regardless of how small they may be.
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A spoilt child learns to take everything that others do for him for granted. An unspoilt child will be appreciative of others and reciprocate in kind. Children who learn gratitude will grow up to be compassionate, generous and forgiving adults. However, the only way to cultivate such virtues is if you practice them yourself. But!! You need to be careful here because you should not be showing gratitude for responsibilities.
Uncommon acts of praise and kindness, participating in household chores, talking care of siblings should be expected to a certain extent. Only then will the child learn that such factors are associated to everyday common responsibility.
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It is all well and good teaching your child soacially acceptable behavior and how to be a good person at home but then again you need to encourage your children to display such characteristics outside of the family circle. Children need to be taught how to behave with others in a kind and tolerant manner. They need to realize that all children are equal regardless if the new boy is from a different country or is physically handicapped. Kindness and understanding towards others will help your child to be a morally correct person,.
When communicating with your child, discuss about the hardships people face in the world. Learn about the kids in your children’s classroom and encourage your kids to be comforting and stand up against teasing or bullying. Practicing these 5 secrets to raising a good kid will reap the rewards of a brighter future for your child.
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