Parents play the most important role in their children’s life. They need to support and motivate them at all times. This universe is vast, complicated and full of different obstacles. And do you know what we all need in order to succeed? A hand to hold. But, sometimes, we need to let go if we want to help.
Taking care of your kids is nice, but that does not mean that you should influence every decision that they make. You just need to be supportive, and you need to help them shape their reality by fulfilling their dreams.
Over time, your children’s dreams will change. Their lives might go in an unexpected direction. And you know what? That’s fine, and that’s normal. But, for now, let’s take a look at how you can influence your child’s life and help them achieve their dreams.
The value of responsibility
Teaching your child about the value of responsibility is absolutely necessary. But that’s easier said than done. In order to teach your child about it, you should consider turning almost everything into a game. That way they’ll feel the satisfaction of a job well done. In the morning play a little game called “Who can make the bed faster?” and in the evening “Who can wash the dishes better?”
Over time, your child will get used to doing these things without even noticing what you did.
Don’t be overprotective
Every parent wants to protect their kids from every harm in the world, but, in the long run, that might prove to be a wrong decision. Let your kids run around and scrape their knees, let them fall, and let them learn to get up on their own. You won’t be there for them all the time, and it’s important they realize that.
In difficult moments be there for your kids, but don’t try to over-explain things to them. Over time they’ll become more physically, mentally and emotionally stronger.
Support their dreams
The best thing you can do for your little ones is support their dreams and passions. If your kids are interested in something even though that might seem silly to you, don’t shoot them down by telling them that their dreams are just dreams and that they need to look for something else to dream about.
If your kids are interested in something – support them. If your child loves music – buy an instrument for them. If drawing is what makes your kid happy, then buy art supplies for them.
However, it is also important to think about the future. Start putting money aside and learn all you can about easy to get scholarships, and prepare well in advance. Education is expensive, but it is necessary if you want to enable your child to reach their full potential.
Encourage them to learn
“Play is the work of the child,” said Maria Montessori, a famous Italian educator, and innovator. But, what happens when your child grows up and needs to start learning things that might be of little interest to them? Well, then you need to find a way to keep them interested.
The only way you can do that is by showing them that learning is exciting, and that learning new things and acquiring new information is fun! Speak to your children, give them some fun facts from history about famous scientists and over time they’ll fall in love with learning.
Bonus tip: Never use studying as a form of punishment! If you do that, your child will associate learning with something negative, and that will be incredibly difficult to change.
There are many ways to encourage your children’s hopes and dreams, but, in the end, it all comes down to love and support that you provide them with.
As Fred Rogers said, “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.’’
Featured Photo Courtesy: pexels.com
Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids, and offers helpful advice in hers parenting articles. She's also passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living.
