18 May International Family Day Special: Be a companion to your child
We at Gululu are excited for International Family Day, as our mission revolves around healthier children and happier families!
When you think about it, parents are our primary role models and teachers of what life is and how to live it. We learn from them, step by step, a lot of what we know in most stations of our lives; from helpless infancy through unwieldy adolescence- parents are our main companions and extremely influential friends.
Much of what you think about life or feel about yourself is probably based on your experience with your parent companions. Generation after generation is powerfully influenced by the way "mom and dad" think and feel. So much of psychotherapy — perhaps most of it — is based on dealing constructively with life while better understanding what one parent, or both of your parents, taught you by word and example.
Since our kids are constantly learning from us, the quality of the companionship you created in your family directly influences not only what a young person knows, but also what he or she feels about the world and himself or herself. Companionships, early or late in life, have a profound impact on what a person does with the gift of life. Under positive influences you can cherish the life in others and, holding all life precious, make the best of your own life, too.
Most likely, the companionship of parents, other relatives, teachers, and old friends have significantly shaped your thoughts and feelings. Also, the examples and inputs of these key people are probably motivating your way of dealing with life — your drive toward success or failure.
To contribute in strengthening the companionship and guidance you as a parent infuse in your family, we have outlined a few helpful tips:
- Listen to your kid. All human beings want to be heard and to be listened to. Researches show that when we listen to someone talking, show interest and ask questions, the person connects with and likes us even more, only because we made him feel good by listening to him. That works amazing with your kids, too! Listen to them, make their words feel most important to you!
- Be involved in your child's life. This one is easier said than done, especially as your kids grow. Being an involved parent takes time and is hard work. It may often mean rethinking and rearranging your priorities. Find a way to be there for your child mentally as well as physically. It does not mean you need to do your kids' homework; however, you should be involved and see how your kid is dealing with the material learned. Provide your kids with advice, ways to manage their time or conflicts, skills like prioritizing, judgment or lessons learned from your life experience.
- Treat your children with respect. In order to get respectful treatment from your children, treat them respectfully. Give your children the same courtesies you would give to anyone else - speak politely, respect their opinions. Pay attention when they are speaking to you. Treat them kindly. Try to please them when you can. Children treat others the way their parents treat them. Remember that your relationship with your children is the foundation for their relationships with others.
- Your kids are imitating you. This is a very important principle: since your kids learn much from imitating you, always remember they are watching what you do. Think, what you do can teach them good ethics, educational value, better ways to approach situations and so on. Explain what you do, why you do it, and provide guidance for your little ones
- 5. Show them that no matter what - you believe in them. As a parent you are a mentor and educator along with a friend. Keep telling your kid you believe in them, in their power to get a higher score on the next exam, to get accepted to the sports team, to achieve anything they want and fulfill their dreams. Express your unconditional love and support and let them feel they can do anything! They will thank you for that for the rest of their lives!
