Encourage your little one to experience new things, and learn to enjoy getting outside of their comfort zone. You may have to hold their hand at first, but don’t be afraid to let go, and see how they do on their own. It’s a big, beautiful world out there, and your child should grasp every opportunity to delight in it!
Giving your child choices to make even early on in life will instill confidence in themselves. Knowing that they have choices, the freedom to choose, and your support all along the way is priceless.
This may seem an odd or clunky thing to say, but letting your kid know that they are safe when they are with you is pretty important. While ensuring their safety and happiness is always the goal as a parent, verbalizing it every once in a while shows how much they are valued, and reassures them of their security.
While it is true that our kids bring us endless joy, they sometimes cause a few headaches. We tend to only vocalize the times that they need to be quiet, or sit down, or go to bed. Instead, make a point to let your child know how happy they make you, and how you couldn’t imagine a life without them.
Your kids never grow out of needing your approval. So start early, and don’t stop! This doesn’t mean letting them do whatever they want, but rather boosting their confidence when they make good choices, and being open to discussing options with them. Your words can build them up or tear them down, and either way, eventually your kids will grow up find their place in the world. Don’t you want to be the one who gave them their wings?
Your kid is struggling to find their identity every day, and it’s happening sooner than you think. In this fast paced world we live in, it seems the angsty teenage years start at 10! It’s never too early to help build your child’s identity, and help them figure out what values to hold on to. Reminding them of who they are and how special and important they are before they leave the house – well, that’s just icing on the cake!
When I was a kid, I swear I spilled a glass of milk at least once a day. I cried every time. That’s right, I literally cried over spilt milk. I’m sure it got annoying, and I’m sure when my parents started poking fun at me it was all in good humor. But I became so very self-conscience about my clumsy hands and my bumbling feet that I didn’t want to hardly move for fear of knocking something over! Instead of getting upset over spilt milk, it is far more productive to teach your kids that mistakes happen, and it’s how we deal with them that matters. You may even have an opportunity to show them how to handle a mistake in your own life!