Most parents educate their children following their intuition. They solve problems as they go along, as they appear. However, it is important to be clear about the objectives that are pursued with child rearing. Do you want your child to become an authentic and happy person? Do you expect him to be a good professional and a people person?
Every parent has expectations different with the education of their children, which are determined, to a greater or lesser extent, by their vision of the world and society. But beyond these expectations, there are some assumptions that every parent should teach their children. These are life lessons that will help you grow and make you an authentic, adapted and happy person.
You might be interested in baby names or the following topic How to deal with toxic stress in children
Five things I want my children to learn
1. Being different and authentic
In a society where standards and stereotypes are imposed to classify people, it is very difficult to maintain individuality. However, the truth is that each person is unique and unrepeatable, and the sooner our children learn this, the better. Many parents think that the fact of teaching the child to make a difference and to be authentic is an exclusive and negative attitude, however, in reality, it is quite the opposite. It is a way for the child to recognize and accept who she is and act accordingly, in a congruent way. The earlier our children learn to be themselves, not to follow the fashion trend, to have their own criteria and not need continuous approval, the easier it will be for them to be happy.
2. Loving yourself
One of the first lessons that children have to learn is to accept and love themselves as they are, with their virtues and defects. In fact, it is the first step to be happy and grow as people. For this reason, it is important that children understand that they are not perfect, recognizing their defects and weaknesses is not something negative but rather makes them in unique people. It is also essential to teach them to recognize and accept their emotions, to feel comfortable with what they experience and encourage them to express their feelings assertively, without losing control.
3. Strive for what you want
Children often just need to ask for something and parents will run to oblige. However, pampering little ones too much does not prepare them for life, quite the contrary. It is important to teach them the value of things and explain to them that behind each one of them there is an effort or sacrifice. Of In this way we will be promoting characteristics such as perseverance and tenacity. At the same time, we must teach them that along the way they can make mistakes, but that failures are also part of the path to success.
4. Be balanced
Today, more and more people suffer from psychological disorders or health problems, precisely because they do not have the tools that allow them to lead a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, this is a phenomenon that can be avoided if we teach our children to develop an internal locus of control and to care about their physical and emotional well-being. From a young age, we must teach them to find balance and, above all, take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
5. Respect others
In a world that increasingly emphasizes individuality, it is not surprising that a lack of social empathy proliferates. However, the ability to understand others, put yourself in their shoes, be flexible and respect their space, criteria and feelings are qualities that do not go out of style and should be reflected in social relationships. The sooner our children learn this, the better. Children must not only learn to respect themselves and assert their criteria before others, but they must also learn to be tolerant and respectful with ideas, feelings and lifestyles that are different from their own.