When we think of children and the stories they sometimes tell, we are very surprised by what we hear.
There is a story that a kindergarten child told in class one day. He began, in a nutshell, by saying that hugging and kissing was “disgusting.” He then proceeded to explain that, yes, his mom hugged him as a baby every time she fed him. However, her gestures clearly indicated that this was the only time she was supposed to hug and kiss him.
And there is another story that precedes this young man because he has not yet spoken and because he was seen and heard by a small group of shoppers who were waiting in line at a self-service checkout. The young mother swung her heavy hand towards the little one and said, “Hey come out ma (beep) bro! You’re ruining ma (beep)! Come out ma (beep)!” And we wonder what happens to our children today.
In the first scenario, we have a six-year-old who was obviously taught that only babies in the arm require affection, who was already too old or too old to receive hugs and kisses from mom and dad.
In the second scenario, we have a little boy who doesn’t even speak yet, receiving so much negativity from the person who is supposed to love him the most in this life.
It is imperative that all caregivers know that affection is essential for all age groups. It teaches children that they are loved and that, thanks to that love, they can fulfill their dreams. Responding to your young children with aggression and anger is not the answer. It just causes the child to build a mental wall of fear and self-defense. Later in life, you will be afraid to try anything. And his responses to anyone around him can be reserved or a verbal or physical outburst … once again, that mechanism of fear and self-defense manifests itself.
Moms and Dads, there are three simple things you can do to make sure you are raising a smart, happy, and confident child. Follow these tips along with discipline, and you should be satisfied with what you see.
1. Positive interaction
Show affection to your child. The healthy touch of a parent sends the very important message that their child is loved, loved, and supported. As mentioned in previous articles, affection is so important that, when administered, it activates a chemical that coats brain cells, causing them to develop more efficiently. Well-developed brain cells increase a child’s academic ability and improve social skills.
Read with and for your child. This cannot be stressed enough. Story time encourages closeness between you and your child. Your voice and facial expressions bring the story to life, and your child will learn to do the same by watching and listening to you. In addition, poetry and songs develop that fun moment between parents and children. Improves listening and speaking skills, creating the ability to capture rhythm and rhyme patterns.
Play with your child. Children are always surprised and pleased when parents join them on the floor to play with toys, play a game, draw, color, paint, or create crafts.
2. Time to share
Now the great thing about time sharing is that it can take place anywhere. And everything mentioned above also counts as sharing time, but we are discussing specific topics here.
You want to talk to your child about the world around him. It is alarming to ask a child what he is eating and his answer is, “I don’t know.” Instead of letting your child run and play at the store, let him help you shop and prepare menus for dinner. In this way, your child learns various foods and how to combine them to make a meal. Learn the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.
Talking with your child is essential. Discuss the weather; Show the different types of clouds there are and what type of weather each one brings. Discuss the joys of getting dirty playing outside and the need to clean up; And so begins the issue of hygiene. Conversations about daily activities help build a well-rounded child who is comfortable, not afraid to try new things.
3. Challenge and encourage
Lastly, tell your child what to do. And then, through the loving tone of your voice and your example, encourage him to try those healthy activities that he would probably never experience if he didn’t have your incredible support by his side.
Remember moms and dads, it is through positive interaction, sharing time, and encouragement and challenges that we raise intelligent and happy children who have confidence in themselves.
