Emotional learning starts at a very young age as small children discover emotions via life experiences. Being happy with yourself is crucial and therefore you must teach this to your child from the very beginning.
Birgitte Coste at Positive Parenting Ally suggests, “As a parent, I believe you should stimulate your child but not force things through. Most importantly, encourage your child to be who he or she is. You thereby teach your child to love himself or herself. Parents should not make their children be something they are not and they should allow them the space to develop into their own personality.”
How do you remember your childhood?
About twenty years ago children were more carefree, there was less competition, and kids were more involved in studies and the outdoors. Now look at your child and see how he/she will remember his/her childhood. Ask yourself the following:
- Is there too much pressure of studies, good behavior etc on your child?
- Is your child preoccupied with gadgets like mobile phones, Xbox and iPad?
- Does he have more friends on Facebook and Instagram than in real life?
- Is he more aware of words like terrorism, suicide bombing, strikes etc?
If most of your answers are yes, you need to do something to make his/her childhood more carefree and happier.
Annie Fox, M.Ed, is a parenting expert known worldwide for her contributions. In an interview she defined “happy childhood” in the following words, “A child feels secure and safe without worrying about the basics--i.e. food, shelter, etc. A happy child is nurtured with love, feels accepted and safe to explore the environment around him.”
It is the parent’s responsibility to teach the child the language of emotions, as Fox says, “The happiest people are those who can manage distressing emotions. As a parent you need to manage your own emotions. If your child pushes your buttons to the limit you should not lose your temper because when you lose your emotions you end up saying things that are painful for the child. Parents often think that they will be embarrassed in front of others, sometimes act shocked, and make the situation even worse by reacting too aggressively.” Fox urges parents to treat children individually, “Parents need to learn about individual needs--i.e., what the specific child needs at a particular moment.” Read more about Annie Fox and her parenting tips at: http://www.anniefox.com/
Tips for Raising a Happy Child
- Give your child feelings of security and love and a sense of belonging.
- Let him discover his abilities and respect his privacy.
- Be available when he needs your advice but don’t force your own personality onto him.
- Teach him to be compassionate and considerate towards others by inculcating sharing and giving at an early age.
- Discipline him in terms of time, using privileges, etc.
- Encourage him to take up sports and/or join clubs like arts, dramatics, Islamic classes etc.