We all know these things but sometimes it just helps to reread them or think about them in a little different matter. Raising kids takes a lot of rethinking and analyzing what you are doing-both good and bad. Providing for a child’s physical needs (food, shelter, clothing) is fairly straightforward but trying to provide for their emotional needs can be lots trickier. Here’s a few general guidelines for nurturing your child so that they grow into a happy emotionally healthy adult.
Listen to your child-provide comfort and assurance and encourage questions. Be willing to talk about any subject.
Look at the example you are setting-could your own problem-solving and coping skills use some work?
Respect your child’s feelings-encourage your child to express his or her feelings. Let them know that everyone experiences pain, anger, anxiety, sadness and fear. Try to figure out where the source of the feelings are coming from.
Promote mutual respect and trust-even if you are angry keep your voice level low. Try to keep communication channels open.
Foster your child’s talents and accept their limitations. Set goals on your child’s abilities and interests and not on someone else’s expectations. It’s hard but don’t compare your child to other children or siblings.
Spend time with your child regularly.
Help your child become independent and deal with life’s ups and downs. Show confidence in your child’s ability to handle problems and tack new experiences.
Be aware of the different stages of development so you don’t expect too much or too little from your child.
Always discipline constructively, fairly and consistently. Use discipline as a form of teaching and not physical punishment. Look for positive behaviors and show approval for those. We all learn best by our mistakes. Set limits before problems arise.
Love unconditionally. Teach high moral standards and the value of cooperation, patience and apologies. Teach forgiveness and consideration of others.
Do not expect to be perfect; parenting is a difficult job.
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