Starting today, do these four things for your children so that you won’t have any regrets in the future:
1. Give your child some free time
Many parents want their children to succeed so much that they push them to attend numerous extra classes.
Meanwhile, children can participate in music, dance, or martial arts classes, among other things that they genuinely enjoy and are beneficial for their development and stress relief.
Just like adults, children need downtime. Forcing your child to be busy all day and do things they don’t want to do will only lead to overload and possible rebellious behavior.
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Allow your child to have free time to play, connect with their surroundings, friends, and family (Illustrative image)
2. Listen to what your child has to say
Sometimes, your child might feel sad due to a disappointment, an argument, or an incident at school…
The reasons for their sadness may seem illogical to you, but take the time to sit down and listen to them.
Instead of denying your child’s negative emotions, try to empathize with their sadness. Tell them, “Dad (or Mom) understands that you’re feeling sad.” Give them a hug if they want one, and gently remind them to breathe deeply while having a conversation.
By refocusing on their bodily sensations, they can learn to move past the negative thoughts swirling in their heads.
When you connect and share emotions with your child, they will be more open and confide in you.
Many parents admit that they used to get angry when their child made a mistake, but when they learned the exact reason behind it, they regretted scolding their child. Don’t let yourself fall into the same trap.
3. Prioritize effort over results
Sometimes in life, things don’t go according to plan, no matter how hard we try.
If your child experiences this, acknowledge their efforts instead of solely focusing on the outcome.
Before expecting your child to be strong enough to overcome failure, help them understand that their efforts are appreciated and recognized.
4. Create happy memories with your child
Positive childhood memories will teach a child how to react to similar events in the future.
Research shows that children with many happy memories tend to grow up healthier and more satisfied with their lives because they have a more positive outlook and better stress management skills.
These children are less likely to suffer from depression and tend to build healthier relationships with others.
Spend quality time with your family, as it provides a safe environment and a solid foundation for your child to confidently express themselves and explore the world around them.