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1. Encourage Questions.
Don't answer every
question, instead ask what do they think. Asking questions
stimulates conversation between you and your child.
2. Don't Criticize.
Criticism invites low
self-esteem. Children feel that they have failed or
disappointed their parents when they are criticized. Find
alternate ways of correcting the problem. A child will
likely shut down communication if they feel that their
parents are not supportive.
3. Respect Your Child's
Opinions.
Your child is not an
extension of you. Although it is difficult to accept at
times, it is normal and healthy for your child to have
their own opinion. Children who are confident in
expressing their opinions are less likely to join gangs or
succumb to peer pressure.
4. Teach Your Child To
Embrace Diversity.
Encourage your child to
learn about different cultures and ethnicities. A well
informed child can will understand and respect other
people's values.
5. Teach Your Child To Set
Personal Boundaries.
Children need to have their
personal space respected in order for them to respect
other people's personal space. Help your child to
establish their boundaries and insist that he/she enforce
them with their peers.
6. Establish A Nurturing
Environment.
Children thrive in
environments in which they know they are loved and
respected. Remind them every day that you love them and
support them.
7. Understand Your Child's
Thinking Process.
In order for you to be an
advocate for your child in school, you must know and
understand how your child learns. Is he/she creative,
logical, musical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal,
naturalistic? Know your child's capabilities and accept
their creativity.
8. Let Them Think For
Themsleves.
Encourage independent
thinking. Let your child decide (within reason) what is
appropriate for them. Give them enough room to make
decisions, but also be there in case their plans don't
work out.
9. Teach Them Stress
Management Skills.
Help your child to
effectively deal with stress. Try not to contribute to
their stress with demands and unrealistic expectations.
Make learning fun!
10. Teach Your Child To
Trust His/Her Instincts.
In order for children to be
successful in life, they must learn how to trust their
decisions. Your child needs to be confident in trusting
his/her instincts and feelings. Children who trust
themselves are less likely to participate in unhealthy
behaviors.
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About
The Author
Marie
Magdala Roker is a Family Coach and
Certified Breakthrough Parenting
Instructor. She is completing her Masters
in Health Education at Columbia
University's Teachers College. She helps
parents to reclaim their lives and
students to unlock their academic
potential. She is committed to helping
build healthy families, one family member
at a time.
mroker@livelearnempower.com |
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