In the work “On Family Education,” Sukhomlynsky emphasized that: “The initial and most important factor influencing the education of children and adolescents is their home, where the role of the mother stands out.” A mother is a powerful influence. A good mother can have a deep impact on future generations.
How important is a good mother? Let me give you an example: “My friend had to travel abroad for a while and left her child with the grandparents. When she brought the child back, she was surprised by his behavior.
While shopping, there were food samples to taste, and the child ate one after another. My friend asked if he liked them, and she would buy them for him. Unexpectedly, the child said: “Either way, I don’t need money, I’ll just eat it for free.” My friend clearly remembered teaching the child not to be greedy for small benefits, but why did he naturally do that? Later, she realized that it was probably a habit learned from the grandparents. From then on, my friend decided to take care of and educate her child herself, and over time, under the guidance of the mother, the child was able to change his behavior.
The influence of a mother on her children is undeniable, and only an optimistic and life-loving mother can raise optimistic and successful children. A family will be truly happy when they see their children not only being kind but also confident and successful wherever they go.
Respecting a child’s privacy
No parent wants their children to make the mistakes they once made. However, it is an inevitable part of life, and no protective measures can completely prevent it. Children need to be allowed to make mistakes and learn from them, as long as they are equipped with enough knowledge to face the difficulties.
A mother who wants to teach her child about honesty and openness will know that excessive control can have an opposite effect. A child’s natural reaction to excessive control is to hide and lie more because they sense a lack of trust and suspicion from their parents.
Children from a young age to adulthood always face many choices. A mother’s task is not to tell her child what to choose but to teach her child how to make choices. Respecting a child means nurturing good character and helping them grow up happy and confident in their own choices.
Psychological studies have shown that children who are restricted in their ability to make choices tend to develop extreme personality traits: some may become easy to comply and weak, while others may become rebellious and challenging. Weak children often rely on their parents and lack independence, which reduces their chances of success in the future. Rebellious children act without considering the consequences, just to demonstrate independence. Both of these development paths are unhealthy and need parental attention when raising children.
A role model
Clearly, children often strive to imitate the behaviors and lifestyles of their parents, from personal preferences to clothing and hairstyles. This is why we need to be careful with our own actions and always remember that we are setting an example for our children. Children easily imitate everything we do, even when we make mistakes. We are a lifelong source of inspiration for our children. Children need our support to become strong and happy.
Discuss and establish common rules with your child
Imagine you have a maid at home, and your child accidentally spills water on the floor. By default, you can ask the maid to clean up the mess. However, do you know how your child will react if you want to teach them independence and self-care? They may wonder, “Why do I have to clean up when we pay her to do it?”
Yes, we can create a good living environment for our children, but we also need to teach them how to see life accurately, help them distinguish right from wrong, and respect others.
Therefore, the first important thing is to build a family environment based on mutual respect, enhance self-confidence, and create conditions for personal development. English educator Herbert Spencer once said: “In a family where understanding, respect, and encouragement are the foundation, a child’s trust in parents will increase significantly. And as children grow up, they will be more motivated and confident in life.
In reality, respect makes children feel valued. When children realize their own value, they will cultivate self-confidence and strong trust in people and life.
Parents can teach children to respect others by setting a good example. For example, parents should use polite words like “Please” and “Thank you,” hold the door open for others at the store, and speak respectfully to the elderly. Through observing these actions from parents, children will gradually learn how to naturally show respect.
