Raising children is one of the most difficult aspects of being an adult. Having a family is amazing, but it also entails a lot of time, devotion, love, and guidance. Many parents often question whether or not they are making the best decisions for their children because it is hard to balance what is best for them with what makes them happy. A happy child is more likely to develop into an adult that is successful and accomplished. Below is a closer look at eight aspects to consider when trying to raise a happy child.
A Positive Environment
When it comes to living arrangements, children who are in a loving home are more likely to succeed than those that are living in an environment that is negative. Check out southshorebay.metroplaces.com to view a listing of available homes that offer a child a great community to grow up in and be involved in. For example, Metro Places offers coastal living for families to enjoy life in a pure and calm setting. Living in a community like this will teach younger kids the importance of enjoying life and finding hobbies and activities to get involved in.
Teach Kids to Build Relationships
Teaching kids to get along with one another is a lot harder than one would think. Many parents do not take the time to teach younger children the right thing to do when they are not getting along with another child. Instead, the parents may opt to tell the child to stop doing the things they are doing, without really giving them reasons or solutions to the problems they are experiencing. Fortunately, parents can teach their children about relationships by encouraging them to do small acts of kindness to teach them about empathy. What better way to do this than when living in a community with others around you.
Teach Them That Hard Work Pays Off
Every parent wants their child to be successful at everything they attempt. However, that is not what should be conveyed to the child. Parents who only worry about achievement are more likely to have kids with depression, anxiety, and drug addictions compared to other kids. Instead, parents should encourage their kids to try their best at everything they attempt, and if they are not the best, then that is okay. The most important aspect is that they put in the effort to complete a task.
More Playtime
Today, kids spend less time playing outside, as well as inside. Playtime is important in helping kids grow and learn because unstructured play promotes physical, social, emotional, and intellectual well-being. The play also helps children learn how to work well with others, to share, to resolve conflicts, to speak up for themselves, to negotiate, and to regulate their emotions and behavior. As a parent, it is important to build more time for kids to get outside and to simply play. With the many advancements in technology, more kids are falling into the trap of video games, watching t.v., and playing on their Ipads for much longer periods of time throughout the day. There are many activities children can get involved in that will promote happiness and will allow them to get the proper exercise they need, as well as interacting with other kids their age. Living in Metro Places allows families to enjoy many outdoor water activities that are sure to bring them much joy and happiness.
Share a Meal Together
Sharing a meal together at the end of a long day is very important because it keeps the family connected to each other. Studies show that children that have meals with their families have better manners, healthier diets, high self-esteem, and larger use of vocabulary words. Sharing a meal together is very important to the family because it is a time where everyone is gathered together to discuss the events of the day. Sharing a meal is just as important as reading a bedtime story each night.
Empower the Children
Studies show that children do better when they make plans on their own or have a say in some decision making. Some experts think that parents should allow kids to pick their own punishments, as this creates motivation to follow the rules. By picking their own punishments, kids will become more driven to avoid those punishments. By choosing a reward, kids are motivated to achieve them. This approach allows kids to take a greater role in raising themselves.
Assign Chores
Children do not like to clear the table after a meal or dusting their bedroom. However, assigning chores can be a great factor when it comes to achieving happiness. Some studies show that kids that do chores feel like they are helping the family and that helps them feel more connected as a family unit. The sense of connection they have may help them stay strong mentally when they face difficult situations down the road. Completing chores teaches kids different life lessons, like community service and responsibility. Not only that, but a chore completed will show young kids that they can make a difference.
Exercise Together
Exercising together is a great way to stay healthy and happy. Exercise is not only healthy for the family, but it helps them bond and create wonderful memories for everyone to look back on. Making memories is a great way for a family to enjoy the time they have together, as well as setting a good example for children to take with them as they go into their adult years. Exercise can mean taking a walk around the neighborhood, swimming, boating, and anything else the family enjoys doing together.
As stated above, raising happy and good children is not an easy task. Many times, parents feel like they are failing, but in reality, they are doing a great job. It is important to remember that it is best to teach kids to be good human beings. Do not get stuck on thinking that kids need material items to be happy. Kids need love, attention, and time spent together.
