As parents, we all want the same things for our children. We want them to be healthy, happy, successful and well balanced. In a recent article in Parents magazine, experts share important tips on how parents can accomplish this.
- Encourage your child - every child has special talents. Watch for those unique skills in the everyday things that children do, like playing ball, drawing pictures, coloring or singing songs together, and praise them for their accomplishments. Children need to know they have done well, and a word of encouragement will go a long way in developing their confidence.
- Recognize that children learn in different ways - not all children learn in the same manner. Some respond well to verbal instructions while others are more visual learners. Find out how your child learns and use appropriate methods of teaching. Flash cards are great for visual learners, while other may learn better through familiar word associations (like using friends or relatives as examples).
- Encourage reading - read to your child and foster the joy of reading with them. Reading helps develop stronger language skills, reading skills, and improves your child's chances for future success in school.
- Share family meals together - eating dinner together seems to be a lost practice today, but it is so very important for families to use this time to talk. According to a study conducted by Columbia University, children who eat with their family at least five times a week are more likely to achieve higher grades in school.
- Hug your child - yes, hugging your child gives your child a sense of security. In addition, studies show that children who don't receive affection can develop chronic stress, which can interfere with those parts of the brain responsible for focusing, learning, and memory.
