Every parent wants to prepare their child for any events that happen in their lives, and above all you want them to have a happy, productive and fulfilled life. As a parent, you need to be able to provide guidance enough to be able to face challenges head-on as well as become the best possible person they can be.
However, you won’t be able to stop when problems occur, so let’s discuss how you can prepare them to lead a happy and successful life:
- Create a happy and stress-free household
In most cases, children mimic attitude and behaviours around them. Research has proven adults thrive in business when they are happy and less stressed. The same goes for parenting.
Most of your child’s habits about life come from watching what you do in situations. When you are stressed at work, and your child sees it, they determine that they are also stressed or will become stressed with the same situation. Emotions are contagious, and it doesn’t take long for them to show signs.
This is where a little self-love and mental care come into play. If you are showing that you are happy and that you can leave all the worries behind, then your child will do the same. I know life is stressful and at times you need to cry your heart out, but it is about showing them that life is happy and that situations are in your control, not the situation controlling you.
- Create responsibilities
Whether it’s doing chores or encouraging them to go and get a job, creating responsibility teaches them about hard work and accomplishment. Children need to know that life isn’t handed to them on a silver platter or that the world doesn’t revolve around them. It also helps with learning and development and how to contribute to society.
If they have a nanny or housekeeper, it’s also good for them to learn how to collaborate and contribute even though tasks are done for them. Ask them to make sure that they clear the table, clean up their mess, put items in the dishwasher or even asked them to make sure that their laundry is put in the basket.
- Reading daily is important
Sometimes the simplest life skill is important for a happy and successful life, and that is where reading comes in.
Besides helping teens do well in school, reading also helps them expand their horizons as they learn more about people and the world. Plus, reading can show teens that everyone has problems in his or her life and may even help teens see solutions to their own problems.
- Set goals and expectations.
Goals setting is critical. They keep your child focused on what’s important, allow your child to make the best use of their time and in turn teaches them good habits for the future. When done correctly, it forces them out of their comfort zone and helps them grow more. And, perhaps most importantly, they give them control of their destiny. Kids can do remarkable things and feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when they set goals and expectations.
One thing you need to note is, your child needs to understand the goals and expectations that they are setting, and you need to listen to what they really want. Understand where they want to go, what they want to do and then make suggestions based on their desires. If they want to become a Carpenter, then University isn’t their goal, set a goal to find an apprenticeship or a job within the industry.
- Praise them correctly.
Dr Carol Dweck, a professor of psychology at Stanford University speaks about the idea of how to praise your kids to help them develop a growth mindset – not a fixed one.
When they earn a high score on a math test or win a soccer game, praise them for their hard work and effort instead of telling them they are smart or talented. Praising children for effort encourages a growth mindset, then praising them for instinctive qualities that they already know they have. You want your kids confident in their ability to learn and solve problems and know that work ethic is a quality you want them to develop.
- Create family time.
Family time is not only about spending the time to create a positive relationship in your family, but it also is about encouraging social skills and learning habits.
Family time can be as cooking meals together, shopping, walks/bike rides or vacations. Consider spending the time for them to learn something new and to also meet new people.
- Teach them to be all-around healthy.
Healthy habits are vital to encourage your kids to maintain a healthy body and mind. This is all to do with having the right amount of sleep, eating healthy and being active. However, as a parent, you need to also do the same.
Encourage them to get away from technology devices and get outdoors more, socialise with friends, write in journals, or teach them how to cook dinner.
If you need help?
If you still need some advice want to talk to someone who can help WAYS Youth & Family offer free counselling and case management for youth and their families.
Visit the WAYS website to learn more about our community-based organisation, including our resources for parents and our programmes for children and teens.