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4 Things Parents Should Teach Their Children
04.03.2023 05:30
Updated: 14.04.2023 11:01
We grow up as we are based on the truths firmly instilled in us from childhood.
Children form their worldview and character by observing the behavior of the people around them - and especially their parents.
Will they become self-confident?
Will they be able to stand up for themselves and choose the right path? Will they learn to respect other people's opinions without betraying their own values?
Finally, will they be able to build a full and happy life?
All these questions, of course, occupy the head of every parent.
What aspects of upbringing should we pay special attention to in order to instill in our children the best and teach them the most important things that we already know ourselves?
They won't stop being loved if they make a mistake.
We live in a world where success is valued above all else. The media often idealizes those who have achieved great success, while completely ignoring the path to the top, which is not always a bed of roses.
As a result, children may develop the impression that achievement for its own sake is all that really matters.
For them, there will be only two scenarios: “I can do it, and then I will be worth something” or “I can’t do it, and then I will become worthless and unnecessary.”
Meanwhile, when a child knows that he will be loved regardless of what he has managed to achieve, he feels much calmer and more confident. He does not depend on the destructive idea of endless pursuit of results.
He does not need to deserve love. He feels support and is ready to conquer any heights, but for his own sake, not for someone else's approval and recognition.
Other people's opinions are just other people's opinions.
One of the fundamental things to instill in a child is self-confidence. Only by having this quality in his moral inventory will he be able to muster the courage to follow his own path.
Of course, sometimes it is useful to listen to the opinion of an older and wiser person. But let it only inspire the young, growing mind and expand its horizons, nothing more.
The child must understand: there are billions of people, and everyone has the right to their own opinion. Including themselves.
Why is it important to have compassion?
It doesn't matter what faith, ideology or belief system is closer to us, a kind heart and the ability to express empathy are extremely important things that cannot be ignored in education.
A child learns to respect other people, care for the weak and offer selfless help by looking at our words and actions in such situations.
At the same time, it is necessary to teach this lesson from the right position: we should be kind not because this will automatically define us as good people and allow us to receive something good in return, but because the world is one for everyone, and absolutely everyone deserves sympathy, care and help.
School is just a stage
Every child, even one gifted with the most ardent and sincere love of knowledge, will sooner or later come to the conclusion that school is simply a waste of time, while he can come up with a million much more useful activities for himself by skipping classes.
This point may be one of the most difficult (and even seem impossible), but it is worth trying to convey to the child that school is just one of the steps to his bright future.
Children should not pay too much attention to grades and tests, as being too focused on not disappointing parents, teachers, and themselves leads to unwanted anxiety and stress (and also refers us back to the first point).
However, it would be easier for each of us in adult life if at the time we perceived school years as a kind of “preparatory level”.
Of course, this is only a small part of the experience that can and should be passed on to the younger generation to help them find their way in this life and not turn away from it, and if they stumble, boldly move on. However, this is a good start.
A child who understands how important it is to stand his ground, have a kind heart, not be afraid to make mistakes and, finally, not perceive school as a punishment for no apparent reason, will grow up much more prepared for the future life and ready to make it meaningful, fulfilling and happy.
