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Nowadays, children are greatly affected by the technology around them. That's a fact that has also influenced the way they think, act and interact with others. These new behaviors can be really difficult to parents since they had a completely different kind of childhood with far less technology.
Modern parents are dealing many challenges – one of these is certainly the fact that today kids are raised in different ways than their parents were in their youth.
All the parents are wondering whether they are raising their child in the correct way. “Will my kid become a successful and ambitious person? Will they become a role model? Will they live a happy life?”
Psychologists from Harvard University have combined a list of elements that are said to be key factors in bringing up a 'good and successful' child in the modern world. Even though these elements are simple enough, they are really significant to remember.
5 KEY STEPS FOR PARENTS TO TAKE
SPEND QUALITY TIME
Be there for your kid. Not just physically, but also emotionally. Listen to your kid and make conversations. It really helps you to bond with each other. Moreover, turn off all your electronic devices and give them your time without any disturbance. Teach your kid how to be a more caring and considerate person by doing things together.
Practical things you can do:
- Play their favorite game together
- Read them a book
- Ask them how their day was
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BECOME A ROLE MODEL
Kids tend to learn from things they see and experience. Lots of parents may not notice how much of their behavior young kids actually see, understand and possibly adapt. This is why you should think about your words and actions. When you make mistakes, you should admit them and apologize. In other words, you should be the example you want your kid to become.
Another critical thing is respect. Teach your child to respect other people by being honest. Show that you are a human too and humans make mistakes. In addition, try to see everything as a lesson and an opportunity to grow and become a better person. Teach this to your kid as well.
Practical things you can do:
- Admit your mistakes and always apologize for them
- Discuss problems and try to find solutions
- Take care of yourself, and then you can take care of others
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TEACH THEM VALUES
It is crucial that your kid communicates with other people and learns to share when still young. Taking other peoples’ emotions in consideration and being selfless is a very important characteristic and can become beneficial in the future.
According to the Harvard study, caring about others is as important as someone’s own happiness. This is something that parents need to know and teach their kids consistently because sometimes the message is not received fast.
As a parent, you should always be an example. Take responsibility and do the right thing (even when it is not the easiest thing to do). Be a role model and mean what you're saying. Remind your children that others are counting on them and that it's wrong to let people down.
Practical things you can do:
- Remind them every day to be polite
- Learn them take responsibility for their actions and stick to their commitments. Don't just let them quit a hobby or end a friendship unless they try harder. It is always easier to just give up, but it's not always right.
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TEACH THEM GRATITUDE
Teach your children to appreciate everything good in their life. Tell them about hard times in the past, so they can understand how lucky they are to live a life with plenty of chances. Teach them not to take anything for granted.
According to the study, people who practice gratitude every day are more generous, helpful, compassionate and forgiving. They are also happier and healthier.
Practical things you can do:
- Remind your kid to be grateful
- Teach them to be respectful and appreciate other people (family members, friends, teachers, neighbors)
- Be a role model and don't take anything for granted
SHOW THEM THE BIGGER PICTURE
It is well-known that kids care about a tiny circle of family and friends. This is completely normal, but the challenge is to teach them to empathize with people who are outside their circle too.
Children should learn that it all begins with one person and that they can really make a difference in someone's life. So it is significant to be kind towards people they do not know so well (for example the new kid in class, the shopkeeper, or the cleaning lady).
The study suggested that kids should learn to zoom in and listen closely to people they interact with on a daily basis.
Practical things you can do:
- Teach your children empathy, teach them to comfort a crying kid and reach out to their new classmate.
- Talk about different people and their lives. Let your children know about different religions, beliefs, communities, and countries.
- Teach your children that they should not have prejudices against anyone.
Reference: Peace Quarters
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