Every parent has his unique parenting style which may be based on several factors including your own upbringing and cultural and religious background. Even couples may have their own differences when it comes to imparting life lessons and rearing their brood. That’s perfectly normal.
But despite these differences, there are a few crucial matters that you and your partner as parents can agree upon. After all, you’re after essentially the same ideals: to bring out the best in your children in various facets of development, including your child’s mental well-being.
On friendship
At the earliest possible time, you should teach your child that friendship is a partnership and that no one friend should bear the responsibility of cultivating that relationship alone.
On getting what they want
It may seem harsh to tell your kids that the breaks in life will not always go their way. However, the reality that they will eventually face is that they can get hurt or feel angry or sad.
On comparing themselves to others
Another reality that you must expose your children to is the idea that there will always be kids who are smarter than them, who will have more toys than them, who travel to beautiful locations, etc. Take this as an opportunity to help them become more appreciative of what they have.
On finding joy
In the same vein as the previous lesson, you can teach your child to acknowledge and appreciate the good in everything and finding happiness in it.
On being positive
In almost any situation, you can either see the positive or the negative. By teaching your children to assume the positive in things instead of the negative, they can avoid embarrassments or even hurting others.
On disappointments
Another reality everyone will eventually face is defeat. As a parent, you would want to shield your child from disappointments. However, the better approach would be to teach your child that disappointments are one of the facts of life. Rather than dwell on these, they should know how to handle the disappointment and when to move on.
On kindness
Simple acts of kindness, like helping mum set the dinner table, helping their baby brother with his homework, or befriending the new kid in class can go a long way.
On respect
Children must learn early on to respect not only their elders, but even their peers. You should teach your kids that even if they do not agree with what another person says, they should voice out their disagreement without resorting to rude words.
On anger
You should teach your children that feeling angry is perfectly natural. But instead of letting their emotions control their actions, they should learn to overcome their frustrations and not use hurtful words which cannot be taken back.
On gratitude
Gratitude and positivity are crucial ingredients to happiness in life. You might not be able to provide all the luxuries your child wants, but if you teach him to appreciate the small things in life, you will bequeath the best treasure there is: happiness.
If you need support or advice for dealing with your children, search our national database of counsellors that specialise in parenting issues.
