How can Kids Excel In School & Life: Role of Parents
Struggling with how to raise your kids, right? You are not alone! Every year, 25 million children are born in India and raising each child is an equal effort for parents. Sometimes, it is extremely hard to decide what’s right for the children and what makes them happy.
So, what really works when it comes to raising happy as well as accomplished kids?
Parents of the present age have become conscious and are stepping up to help their children thrive and excel. A few ways parents can rise to the occasion and shape their kids are:
1. DEVELOP GOOD HABITS
Parents assist their children in developing healthy habits early in life. Considering it has lifelong benefits, parents encourage children to learn good social skills, good manners and make good food choices.
Many parents believe teaching children good habits will help them achieve the desired results. But, repeating good behaviour on a daily basis can actually aid children in inculcating the habits more promptly.
One of the best ways is to set a good example for yourself by exhibiting the right behaviour and being a role model.
2. GIVE FREEDOM TO KIDS
When kids grow up, they want to lead their life on own terms. Giving an appropriate amount of freedom to kids is essential in parenting.It enables children to learn the practical lessons of life, which empowers them to grow better. Freedom helps them become independent and understand the difference between right and wrong.
At the same time, parents need to play smart in imposing restrictions to protect their children from making wrong decisions that can affect their professional and personal life.
This requires constant guidance, setting clear boundaries as per the child’s age and linking their freedom with adequate responsibilities.
3. DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN REQUESTS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Most parents complain about why their kids do not follow instructions? There could be many reasons for this behaviour and the imperative for parents is to figure out the right method to make kids understand.
Parents should understand the difference between requests and instructions. Will you make the bed? And please help me make the bed. It is important to be very clear and concise whether you are asking or telling the child to do something.
Furthermore, parents should also ensure the kids’ attention while asking or telling them to do something, using positive and clear language and including rewards for doing the job.
4. USE TECHNOLOGY WISELY
Technology has become an indispensable part of our lives. It is evolving at a fast pace and sometimes, it becomes challenging for parents to stay aligned with the developments of the digital world.
In the past two years, time spent on screen-based technology and social media has infiltrated children’s lives, impacting their behaviour negatively. Parents should encourage their children to use technology responsibly and regulate the use of social media that fascinates teenagers.
5. FOCUS ON THEIR STRENGTHS
As guiding and good parents, some people focus on and point out children’s mistakes to inspire them to improve. However, focusing on children’s strengths rather than weaknesses can instill more confidence in them.
Recognition of positive traits builds a positive self-image and boosts their inner confidence in pursuing something. Parents must work with their children in partnership by sharing responsibilities, understanding their children’s strengths and motivating them to move forward in the right direction.
6. APPRECITE THEIR EFFORTS
In a highly competitive world, it is quite natural for kids to feel demotivated and overthink their weaknesses. Parents can play a crucial role in turning the tables by praising their children.
Appreciating children’s efforts nurtures self-confidence and showcases them how to talk positively about themselves. In addition, praising the kids encourages them to work harder and better in the future, enabling them to succeed in studies, extracurricular activities, etc.
Parents can also reward their children, which can directly impact their positive growth.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Inculcating home life with these practices can create a foundation of learning for children to build their character upon. As guiding light and forces, parents should promote good habits, independence, curiosity and positivity in the lives of their children. They should try to be their friends in the long, challenging and joyful journey life is.
By: Dr. Amrit Das
