Parents often have so much to deal with that even raising one child can be a challenge, even if it remains joyful and among the most purposeful undertakings any of us will experience. It’s also true that parents are not always the sole influence over their children, after all, many challenges or unique circumstances can exist without the say-so of a parent. In this case, doing what we can, when we can, is the most anyone could ask of us.
Where it is valid to ask, however, a worthwhile question comes to mind – what helpful parental qualities support child development? In other words, if we expect our children to learn values, principles, and attitudes to take, how can we reflect that in our own parenthood, and how can these guiding aims be expressed and delivered? The importance of a good foundational attitude to life is key, as we’ve seen with programs hosted by Learn And Play® Montessori School.
In this post, we’ll discuss a few measures you can use to achieve that exact outcome:
Effective Communication Skills
Your child doesn’t have to grow into a world public speaker to have good communication with you. A good method of practicing this is to talk to your children about their day, ask them questions and what they think about certain topics, and also ask open questions that offer more than a “yes, no” answer. So for example, instead of “did you have a good day at school?” you might ask “what was your favorite experience at school today?” Healthy and regular communication like this works wonders for development.
Consistent and Fair Discipline
Discipline is always going to be a helpful means of raising children, provided it’s delivered correctly. Consistent standards, making accountability fully communicable and easy to understand, praising when praise is due, encouraging, and also making it clear that negative behavior comes with appropriate punishment. While children aren’t always a fan of discipline, they need it, and being thoughtful about what your standards are can help you. Avoid tools like physical hitting as this can only reinforce bad behaviors, instead focus on how you react to behaviors.
A Healthy Interest In Their Education
Parents need to be at least somewhat involved in their child’s education at school. You don’t have to volunteer for day trips out, have them join every extracurricular club, or even feel bad if work obligations or other difficulties mean you have to miss a play or recital now and again, but working with teachers and attending parents evenings is important. It’s also important to note what challenges they’re facing, what to work on at home with them, and any social difficulties they’re having, such as conflict with other students. Knowing that will help you more easily develop a healthy outcome for your child, asking for help where you need it, and even raising issues with their teachers when that has to happen.
With this advice, you’re certain to support your child’s development with your wonderful parental virtues.
*This is a collaborative post
Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna
