A colleague of mine has a fourth-grade son who excels academically and often receives praise from his teachers. Rather than causing her concern, this has made other parents envious. She attributes her son’s success to focusing on the “golden three hours” – the time after school that parents spend interacting, learning, and playing with their children. While some parents opt for extracurricular classes or downtime after work, she has chosen to temporarily forgo her hobbies to invest in her son’s education, fostering positive habits and motivation for his future.
Make time for communication during daily dinners
Family dinners are often the best opportunity for parents to connect with their children after a busy day. Some parents turn mealtimes into educational lectures, creating a stressful environment for their kids. A celebrity once described dinnertime as the most frightening part of his day due to his father’s harsh “discipline.” Such negative emotions can become associated with eating and have long-lasting effects on a child’s personality.
The story of a boy who ran away from home after being constantly compared to and scolded at the dinner table further illustrates the adverse impact of this practice. The dinner table should be a place for families to bond and share their feelings, not an interrogation room. Simple questions like, “Did anything fun happen at school today?” can make a child feel valued and create a harmonious atmosphere. When a child is reluctant to talk, parents can share stories about their day to encourage the child to open up. Communication should be gentle and emotional to build trust and a strong parent-child relationship.
The dinner table should be a place for family bonding
Study with your child
The sight of parents studying with their children can sometimes be tense enough to make the adults ill. To avoid this, it’s essential to establish good study habits in children from a young age. A three-step process is suggested to help children study effectively: create a quiet study environment, organize homework, and learn to review. Providing a calm and tidy space helps children focus better. Sorting homework by difficulty teaches children how to plan and organize. Finally, teaching children review methods will make them more self-reliant and confident in their learning, from checking each item to evaluating the overall format, logic, and ideas of the assignment.
Teaching children review methods fosters self-reliance and confidence
Daily reading time
Sukhomlynsky emphasized the importance of reading in a child’s education. Children who love to read have more opportunities to expand their knowledge. Parents often struggle to encourage their children to read because they don’t understand their interests. To spark a love of reading, parents should choose books based on their children’s passions and not restrict themselves to specific genres.
It’s also essential for parents to lead by example by reading with their children and sharing their own reading experiences. This helps children absorb knowledge and develop a love for books. Reading together before bedtime is an excellent way to strengthen family bonds and encourage learning. The “golden three hours” after school is an ideal time for children to relax and learn, forming good habits and deepening family relationships.
“The Power of Paternal Influence: Unlocking Your Child’s Success”
Every father is a messenger. It is only when this messenger constantly learns, adapts, and evolves his own beliefs and character that the children he raises can stand tall and confident among the crowd.
The 3 Ways to Answer the Question “Mom, Are We Rich?”
Most children, at some point in their lives, will ask their parents: “Mom, are we rich?”. Wise parents won’t be fazed and will respond with these three intelligent approaches.
The Magic of Words: Unlocking Your Child’s Potential with 5 Golden Praises
The following 5 golden words of praise will help parents encourage their children in the right way, motivating them to strive for greater heights.
6 Skills That Will Make Your Child Succeed and Thrive: The Secret to a Rich Life That Many Parents Overlook
Equipping your child with these six essential skills will set them up for a successful and wealthy future. While many parents solely focus on academic grades, it is these skills that will truly give your child a head start in life.
Nurturing a Confident and Cheerful Daughter: 3 Bedtime Story Principles Every Mom Should Know
Daughter is a family’s priceless gift. Equally important as nurturing her health and emotions is equipping her with a strong mental toolkit.
