8 WAYS TO BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Values.

In today’s fast and ever-changing world, a set of values is the only “timeless” gift that parents can give children. The values that parents teach and live out serve as a compass; helping children to navigate their lives and the world.

Nurturing.

Parenting is not a part-time job. Children require continual encouragement and support. Parents are the cheerleaders who provide hope and optimism for the future.

Personal sacrifice.

Parenting is not glamourous and it takes dedicated time, effort and energy. Parents realize that ‘you reap what you sow’, and so they sacrifice and they invest. 

Discipline.

To discipline means “to teach”. Disciplining a child in today’s world means that parents need to be informed and proactive about their disciplining framework.

Personal responsibility.

Parents know it takes a village to raise a child, but they do not outsource the responsibility for building a solid foundation for their children. They also teach their children to accept responsibilty for their actions and choices.

Inner voice.

The words of parents become the internal dialogue of children. Be mindful that the words they hear are kind, and that the tone is firm but gentle.

Setting an example.

Children can’t give what they don’t have. Parents know that in order for their children to give love, respect, kindness, honesty and mercy – they must first model that and give it to their children. Family. A family provides the child with roots, much-needed structure, and unconditional love. Families also provide their children with a happy home – a place where a child is always safe and welcome.

Failure.

Parents realize that children will only build their resiliency if they are allowed a sufficient amount of struggle. 

Self-Compassion.

When children see their parents caring for themselves, they will internalize that message. One day, they will be able to care forthemselves too.

Love.

When used with all of the above, it will instill a sense of self-worth and self-acceptance. Love makes it all worthwhile.

Published on May 10 2016