Without doubt, being a parent is a full-time job and though it is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, it can be overwhelming. This is especially the case with first-time parents who are constantly wondering about the best ways to raise their children. Every parent’s ultimate goal is to raise a child who is good, i.e. healthy and with the right values.
Even though parenthood does not have a formula, it is important to learn what experts in the field have to say. This being said, in today’s article, we will show five useful universal tips from Harvard University experts to help you raise your children better. Remember, there is always place for improvement!
5 Tips to Raise a Good Child
- Tell them how much they mean to you
Kids are sensitive creatures and they need to be loved, especially by their parents. Researchers point out that parents need to emphasize how much they love their children. Tell your child that you love them, every day, every hour. You are the most important person in their lives and make sure they know that.
- Spend time together
In order to build a strong and healthy relationship with your little one, it is essential to spend time together, despite a busy schedule. Listen to what they have to say and show interest in their interests. In this way, you get a better grasp of your child’s personality and you also work on strengthening the bond. By spending time with them, you are also teaching them how to be more careful and attentive towards others.
- Show them how to cope with negative feelings
Often times, children struggle with negative emotions like envy, anger, and shame and they go through different growing processes characterized by an abundance of emotions. Explain them that having these types of feelings is normal and that what matters is accepting, understanding, and coping in the right way. By doing this, you help them address their internal struggles and to become more compassionate and caring. Work together on balancing their emotional health.
- Ask them to help you and thank them when they do
Expressing gratitude helps become more compassionate and generous. Therefore, have set activities where your child can help and always thank them for their assistance. In this way, you are leading by example. Have rewards for when the child is showing kindness and putting in a lot of effort. By doing this, you also strengthen your connection and boost the love and appreciation for each other.
- Show them how to deal with problems rather than running away
From early on, we need to teach our children how to develop healthy coping mechanisms for unhealthy and negative emotions. Otherwise, they will grow into adults who cannot cope with their problems. Problems are part of our lives and what is important is to develop good problem-solving skills and improve the situation when possible.
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