Parents always aspire to create an ideal living and learning environment for their children. They recognize that a positive space will support their child’s development, from intellectual to character growth, while instilling necessary moral values for life.
In reality, to become good parents, experts advise focusing on four fundamental roles.
Guardian: Care for your child but don’t intervene too much
Parents need to take care of their children, but they shouldn’t do everything for them. Early intervention can cause children to miss out on opportunities to develop skills and confidence in their abilities. Let your child face challenges and learn from failures.
Before intervening, parents should assess whether the problem is truly difficult. If your child needs help, guide them instead of doing it for them, and encourage them to find solutions to their problems.
Companion: Explore and Nurture Your Child’s Potential
In today’s society, academic achievement is not the sole determining factor. Children need to develop multiple skills in areas such as arts, sports, communication, and leadership. The increasing competitive pressure makes children feel the need to perform academically.
Every child has unique strengths, so parents should listen and understand their interests and passions to encourage their development. Sincere praise, when timely, can also greatly motivate children. However, if children sense insincerity in the praise, they may doubt their self-worth.
Tutor: Provide Guidance and Support in Life
Parents are the closest companions to their children and are responsible for being present during crucial moments. To fulfill this role effectively, create a trustworthy relationship and a safe environment for your child to share their emotions and thoughts.
When children perceive that their parents are acting in their best interests, they are more likely to accept advice. Trust is the foundation of this relationship, so listen to, respect, and value your child’s thoughts and emotions.
Instead of imposing rigid rules, view your children as independent individuals with their own thoughts and encourage them to develop problem-solving skills.
Partner: Accompany Your Child on Their Journey to Adulthood
Adults, too, have faced childhood challenges. We’ve navigated issues ranging from adapting to the school environment and building friendships to dealing with loneliness and parental pressure.
Now, as parents, we need to protect and understand our children’s difficulties. Children need a confidant to share their worries, especially when facing academic pressure or peer relationship issues. Parents should be companions, facing and discussing these challenges together to provide reassurance and support. It’s essential to listen, empathize, and create a judgment-free space for your child to express their emotions freely.