In the words of Maria Montessori, A child is like a butterfly in the wind .Some can fly higher than others, but each one flies the best it can. Why compare one against another? Each one is different, each one is special, and each one is beautiful.
In the same way children are different, there is also no perfect parent. There are only positive parents who believe children should be treated with respect, free from fear of violence and shame, and guided with loving encouragement. This makes the child confident, have a high self-esteem and a sense of responsibility in his environment.
What is parenting?
Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, financial and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting refers to the aspects of raising a child aside from the biological relationship.
Parenting can no doubt be challenging at times but trust us, it is rewarding and worthwhile on the long run. In other for you to raise a good child, you should always have it at the back of your mind that developing your child’s character should be top priority. Once you’re a parent, you have to learn to put your priorities below your children’s, and to make sacrifices by spending more of your day caring for them.
It’s important our children grow in an atmosphere of love. This make them very happy. They therefore extend the feeling towards other people in the society. Here are some tips that will guide you in raising your child.
EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT
Always remember that “No child is the same”
It is especially important that parents give children a good start, but it’s also important for parents to recognize that kids come into the world with their own temperaments which will later shape their kind of person. You should pay attention to knowing the kind of person your child is. That way you will know how to deal with that particular child.
HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS
In the course of paying close attention to your kids, you will begin to notice certain skills they possess which you can help them develop. This can be anything from music to art class. So talk with your children and listen when they talk. This is a great way to connect; connection leads to cooperation!
APPLAUD AND PRAISE THEIR EFFORT
As parents we should cultivate the habit of always praising our children’s effort after a completed task or in the middle of the task to keep them going. Have you ever sat down to think of the reasons why athletes are cheered on during a match? It helps boosts their performances to a certain level. The same also applies to your child.
FAMILY MEAL TIMES ARE OF ESSENCE
This is one trend that is slowly fading away with time. Family meal times especially dinner can be achieved if properly planned before time. The dinner table is a place for teaching and passing on of our values. Manners and rules are gradually learnt over the table. Family mealtime helps communicate and sustain ideals that children will hold on to, throughout their lives.
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH
Try adding the words “please” and “thank you” to your own vocabulary. Kids learn how to interact with others mainly by observing grown-ups and then modelling such behaviours. Also remember it all starts from the home. So if you treat everyone — from cashiers and bus drivers to teachers and family members — with respect and politeness, chances are your kids will do the same as well.
MAKE YOUR KIDS INDEPENDENT
Letting kids do things independently will make them feel capable, strong and confident. Gradually, little tasks will be removed from your to do list. Chores like arranging their toys, putting their clothes in their laundry baskets are what you can teach your child with time. The outcome is a child who lacks independence, might lead to low self-esteem and zero problem-solving skills.
NEVER NEGLET THE POWER OF TOUCH
Have you ever wondered why babies love to be cuddled by their parents? News flash! They never grow out of it at any stage! As parents it’s important we always provide our children with plenty doses of hugs, pecks, kisses. This provides a sense of security for the child and also make them feel loved. It also strengthens the bond between the child and the parent.
READ WITH YOUR CHILDREN
Try your best to get involved in your child’s school work. If you’re not chanced to do that you could read your child some story books to your child. This encourages language development, reading skills, and future success in school.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO
It’s ok for your children not to always have their way. Sometimes as parents, we need to set limits and give a consequence in order to teach them an important lesson about their behaviours so you can help your child develop the skills he’ll need to cope when people tell him “no” when he is all grown up.
If your child starts throwing a tantrum or starts getting really stubborn, explain to them why they cannot get what they want and why their behaviour isn’t going to get them what they want then walk away. After you’ve walked away, do something to take care of yourself, something that will help you deal with the stress or frustration you’re feeling. The most important thing is to stick with the limit you’ve set.
Make sure nap times, bedtimes, and mealtimes occur at the same time every day. Communicate regularly to your child what is next on the daily agenda. By doing this, you are teaching the child how to plan his/her activity and how to properly manage time.
One Final advice! Don’t get so caught up trying to be a perfect parent that you forget to enjoy the moment with your children. Be patient and consistent and gradually you will get results.
