How do you raise kids?
It’s a question that crosses parents’ minds – expecting or currently in the thick of it – at least once a week.
It doesn’t matter how prepared you think you are, things don’t always go to plan or turn out the way you expected, you can read all of the books under the sun and still feel lost.
Yet there are a few things you can do to raise “good” kids according to Harvard psychologists. Here are their six tips.
Hang out with them
Harvard researchers believe spending them with your children is the foundation for raising them.
It’s important to listen to kids and ask them open-ended questions about how they see themselves in context with their home, school, and more.
Make sure to listen to what they have to say as this will not only give you an understanding of them but will teach them how to show care and concern.
Clear communication
It’s important that when you tell your children how important being caring is they actually understand you.
According to the researchers, “Even though most parents and caretakers say that their children being caring is a top priority, often children aren’t hearing that message.”
So be calm and clear so they understand how important it is.
Teach them how to work it out
Help them fix problems by understanding the root cause.
For example, if they say they want to stop one of their hobbies like playing football, sit down with them and try and help them understand why and if quitting is the solution.
Also, let them know how their decisions affect other people.
Practice gratitude and helpfulness
“Studies show that people who engage in the habit of expressing gratitude are more likely to be helpful, generous, compassionate and forgiving – and they’re also more likely to be happy and healthy,” wrote the researchers.
They said that parents should encourage helping others and giving thanks.
Check your kid’s destructive emotions
It’s important to help your children understand and navigate their emotions to help them remain kind and caring.
Also, remember to set clear boundaries and explain that they are there for their own safety.
Show the bigger picture
While it can be easy to make your child care about their friends and family, it’s important to help them understand there’s a whole world out there that deserves respect.
Exposure through travel, meeting new people and embracing new cultures can help widen their worldview and do away with prejudices that may have taken form.
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