| Play!
We should all acknowledge the fact that "play" is a chid's work. Play is commonly overlooked as a valuable tool, but in fact it is very critical to all aspects of a child's developement! Play is the natural way that children learn, and it can also prevent discipline problems. Playing together is essential in formulating a positive parenting relationship between parent and child.
Conversate!
As parents, we should talk to and listen to our children. Making eye contact and using a gentle touch and tone is very important when communicating with our children. When giving instructions, it is very important to give clear and consistent directions, but try to be mindful not to give too many instructions at once. While giving clear and concise verbal communication is very detrimental to developing a positive parenting relationship with your child, non-verbal communication, in my book, is even more crucial to this evolution. Children pick up on non-verbal communication like hugs, kisses, and smiles much more easily than they do verbal. It is our responsiblity to build our kid's brain and body.
Be a Healthy Role Model!
Kids will eat what ever we feed them, so it's imperative that we provide healthy meals and snacks and model good eating habits. We can encourage our kids to exercise by becoming active with them, just like they will eat what we give them, they will want to do what they see us doing! Another way of promoting exercise to your children is to limit the time that you allow them to watch television or play video games each day (know you've heard it a thousand times).
Support!
You must support your child's effots in school and provide opportunities to learn and explore by visiting the library, museums, and other places of their interests. Parents should be their child's first source of information. By encouraging your children to ask questions now, you will enable them to ask questions more easily when they grow up. It is important that you answer questions from your child with honesty and openness in order to create and perpetuate a relationship of mutual respect and trust. If your kids learn at an early age that they can come to you with their problems, then it will be much easier for them to make their way to you later on in life during the adolescent years for questions and support with important issues like sex, drinking, and drugs.
Wait..! More Support!
Children develope uniquely, so know your child; when it comes to your children you are the expert. No one will ever know your child like you. Also, keep in mind that there is nothing shameful in getting extra help for your child to allow them to learn and develope at their own rate. We should cherish our kid's individuality! Let your child be themselves, and support their interests and talents. It does a positive parenting relationship well to spend a little time alone with each child each day. This can be difficult for single parents, but this goes a long way if feasible. It's important that we praise our kid's differences and avoid comparing them with one another or other children. Kid's are very influential, they will believe what we tell them; therefore, it is very critical that we always tell them how proud we are of them and that we preech positive thinking so that they will grow up being more optimistic during low periods in their lives. We should always be mindful that education and safety begins at home with us the parents and model and teach good safety habits and establish routines. Family rules should be discussed and made clear (like putting toys away after play time; putting the toys away is also essential in practicing proper home safety.
Relax and Value Family Time!
You can not take care of your child if you aren't taking care of yourself. Try to schedule time for occasional breaks from parenting if possible (This is where family and friends come in). Nothing goes further in nurtuting a positive relationship with your child than family activities. Small family activities such as eating together and sharing tasks or house chores go a long way in nurturing a positve family relationship. Family time could be a good setting to solve problems, sooth feelings, and promote cooperation. It's your responsiblity to teach your child right from wrong! A child's understanding of right and wrong developes very slowly, so it's imperative that you direct your child down a path of following a good code of moral conduct. This will lay the foundation for them developing their own moral guide....
and lastly, appreciate quality time that you get to spend with your family.... |
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