Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs out there. We try to live up to unrealistic expectations from society, family/friends, other parents, and yes, even yourselves. But why do we do this to ourselves? The reality is our children need a guide who can help them and teach them how to navigate through this world. Raising a well rounded kids isn’t an overnight occurrence, but a daily process. We must focus on what are essential habits and then be consistent. With God’s guidance and observing others experiences we can learn how to implement new ways of teaching our children these life lessons.
Health-There isn’t a place you can turn without hearing about its importance, but what does this mind for your child? The CDC has provided three main areas of force regarding physical health; aerobics, muscle strengthening, and bone strengthening. For a minimum of 60 minutes a day for three days a week our children should be engaging in physical activities. Going for walks, participating in gymnastics, and jumping rope are just a few of the exercises they can do. Just make sure that the activities are age appropriate. Then join them, make physical fitness a family affair. See http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/ for more helpful information.
To ensure your child learns healthy eating habits we must also look at the food we’re serving at home. Life can be crazy, and there may not always be an opportunity to cook at home. But if you reduce how much can foods, and process foods you have in your house then it’s a step in the right direction. Items that are high in sugar and sodium should be huge red flags. Today’s food pyramid may look slightly difference from the ones you’ve seen growing up. But on a closer inspection, you’ll see that portions/servings have been modified.
Education-Education-Parents as a whole know the importance of a quality education. What needs updating is what we consider that to be. I grew up attending public school, and while that worked well for me, there are many other options for today’s student. As parents, we need to let go of what we thought their school experience should look like, if what we invasion doesn’t work for them. If your child isn’t thriving in school, don’t be discouraged. Find out what their learning method is; visual (spatial), aural (auditory), verbal (linguistic), physical (kinesthetic), and logical (reasoning). Then pair them with a school/curriculum that will bring out their best. You may find it helpful to visit http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml to discover your child’s preferred learning method. This quiz, however, does seem to be aimed at older children and adults.
Self-confidence-There are some skills that children just inherit, but self-confidence is something learned. A child needs to be nutrient and given the opportunity to fail without fear of rejection. Confidence can be learned equally from how we treat their successes as failures. As parents, we need to find a balance between encouraging our children and pushing them. The spotlight should be on the effort rather than the outcome. A feeling of value in their work sure be emphasized. A child with self-confidence is more likely to take chances and try new things. So provide them with consistency they can relay on and a sparkle of new experiences, with a smile.
Manners & Kindness-Teaching children manners and kindness through their speech and actions is not only about their interactions, but their self-worth. From saying please and thank, to showing empathy for others, at an early age, your child can learn it’s importance. These traits can also be encouraging by the simple act of waving, smiling, and making eye contact with others. These actions will reinforce the lessons in self-confidence that you’ve been trying to teach while emphasizing the need for compassion. From small gestures to major acts, let’s teach the next generation to be kinder than the last.
God-All of these traits are undoubtedly important and useful tools for our children now and as they enter adulthood, but if I may add this last and most important note. The underline to success in all these areas is God. Having children that love and trust in the Lord is a gift like no other. God’s guidance and teachings are perfect and complete. We learn about hope, faith, as well as struggle, and lost. We know God is there through it all. Our children can possess a hope and peace during the storms of life that nonbelievers simply can’t understand. They’ll receive encouragement to never to give up and always to have faith from His Word. What a priceless gift we can give to our children. The knowledge, truth, and teachings of our loving Savior. If no other lesson is taught but one, let it be this.
Dear God,
Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of being parents to these children. Help us to go to you first for guidance when we find ourselves lost or in despair. You have equipped us for this job, and provided all the tools we’ll need. Let our focused not only be on raising well-rounded children but godly one’s Lord. Thank you for being with us through this journey. In your son precious name.
-Amen