Be Your Child's Strength

Recently, I met one of my friends who is a doctor by profession and works on Women and child health with loads of passion. While talking to her on kids making fuss about food, she said we have to always establish eye to eye contact with kids and talk to them with the same seriousness as we talk to elders. Not only while eating, but children would love to be treated as elders and eventually they feel “sense o responsibility” if we do so, my doctor friend added.

Here are few tips for parents while bringing up kids of six to nine years old:

* Talk with your child about respecting others. Encourage them to help people in need.

* Help your child set her own achievable goal; this will be good learning and helps to take pride in himself/herself and rely less on approval or reward from others.

* Help your child to develop patience while being among elders or of their age.

* Do fun things together as a family, such as playing games, reading, and going to events in your community.

*  Get involved with your child’s school. Meet the teachers and staff and get to understand their learning goals and how you and the school can work together to help your child do well.

*  Continue reading to your child. As your child learns to read, take turns reading to each other. This will be a fun time and bonding act between parents and child.

*  Use discipline to guide and protect your child, rather than punishment.

*  Praise your child for good behavior.

* Encourage your child to join school and community groups, such as a team sports, or to take advantage of volunteer opportunities. This will enhance interpersonal skills in child right from this age.

*  Above all, be supportive, extend your shoulder when required. Be their strength.

Happy parenting!!

Bhavana