How To Be A More Nurturing And Supportive Parent
With pressures on future generations for higher and higher performance in academic endeavors
, clubs, and youth groups, it is no wonder that so many children feel increased pressure and stress, even in their early years.
As a parent, this puts you in a difficult position because you naturally do not want to be intrusive or begin conversations that lead to arguments (thereby causing additional stress), but it is your duty to nurture and support each of your sons and daughters. So allow me to provide some of my best tips to help you do just that.
First of all, be aware that while many extracurricular activities like dance, theatre, sports, gymnastics, and faith-based groups can and will provide children of almost any age with valuable experience and well-roundedness, you should by no means place undue demands on your children.
Forcing them to participate in these other activities will only breed resentment and take the enjoyment out of them.
If your son or daughter is feeling overwhelmed, then consider sitting down with them to do an honest evaluation of how they are spending their time. Then, if they decide to drop one of their outside pursuits, express your support verbally and practically.
Allow your son or daughter to come to you with concerns and problems. Many parents today have fallen to one of two extremes: complete indifference to their child's behavior or complete abhorrence for any mistakes.
Discipline is important, but if you lose your head each time they are even slightly deviant, then your child will seek guidance and understanding elsewhere--perhaps from less-than-desirable role models. Try to find some balance. If your child has done something wrong, try to work with them to think of corrective solutions while still maintaining your authority as the parent.
If your children get to a stage where they do not confide in them, encourage them to find healthy outlets for their stress. Consider getting them a durable leather journal as a gift so that they can safely express their thoughts and emotions.
No matter how tempting it may be to peek and see what's really going on with your son or daughter, be sure to honor their privacy.
Try to be flexible with the demands your child has had placed on him/her at home. When your child is stressed, the last thing they need to be concerned about is being confronted by an angry parent over an unmade bed or unfinished chores.
Being a kid is tough sometimes, and as a parent, part of your job is to ease some of those burdens. By implementing some of this advice, you are sure to develop a stronger, more loving bond between you and your child and ease their stress while you are at it.
by: Art Gib
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