A parent’s primary responsibility is to support the physical and emotional development of their children. As the child grows and learns to communicate, think and socialize, parents both expand their supporting net while giving up a bit more control each day so the child can eventually grow into an independent adult individual.
The relationship you share with your child is one of the most important influences on his/her learning and development. Providing for your child’s physical needs (food, shelter, and clothing) is a fairly straightforward matter. Trying to provide for your child’s emotional needs can be more challenging.
So, how do you raise a happy and healthy child? Experts, physicians, psychologists have different lists of things that are right and/or wrong when raising happy children. Those lists are long, but our research shows there are few things in common across the literature.
This article revisits the three most essential—and in our experience most useful—tips for raising happy and healthy kids.
1- Establish (early) healthy habits
Start teaching your children basic healthy habits as early as possible. From eating healthy, to maintaining positive attitude, you can help your children to establish routines that will bring them lifelong benefits. Believe me, they will be forever grateful.
You truly do become what you eat
Be sure to present your children with variety of food options. We don’t always have time to prepare healthy, different, home-cooked meals, but always keep in mind that healthy nutrition is key for your child’s physical development. Easier said than done when you have to prepare your kid (and yourself) to eat broccoli. However, the key is to try to offer them frequently. Moreover, studies have shown that the chances of your child eating that broccoli increase if you are eating it together. Another important thing is not to pressure or force your children to eat, since this may cause negative feelings towards particular food. Teach them that eating a balanced breakfast with protein is a good way for them to start the day and try to offer sweets and snacks in moderation.
Teach your child the joy of being active
Nowadays we spend many hours in front of the computer and we are less active than we should be. Many studies have shown that this can lead to back problems and overweight. Expose your kids to a range of physical activities, from swimming to hiking. Since kids learn best by example, enjoy them together as a family. Every child is different, so give yours a possibility to try and quit activity/ sport if she doesn’t like it. We are sure they will bound to something they will enjoy.
Nap Time
Children who do not get enough sleep may have trouble functioning during the day. At night, they may find it hard to settle. Hence, teach your kids that they can be at their best when they get enough good sleep. Best way to secure better sleep for kids is by keeping regular sleep routine (wake up and go to bed at a same time every day); make sure your kid is active during the day; monitor screen time; create sleep-supportive environment; engage him/her in relaxing activities etc.
Make regular trips to the pediatrician
Regular exams are an important part of keeping kids healthy and up to date on immunizations against many serious childhood diseases. Checkups are also a chance for you and the doctor to talk about developmental and safety issues. Moreover, it is a chance for you to get answers to any questions about your child’s overall health. As kids grow, they can also ask their own questions about their health and changing body, which will make them more aware about themselves. Many parents nowadays use online medical services which provide them with quick information. Keep in mind that the purpose of these services is not to replace regular checkups and the yearly exams.
2- Your parenting style
The way you interact with your child and how you discipline him/her will influence him/her for the rest of him/her life. This is the reason why your parenting style must be supporting healthy growth and development. Based on a research from the 1960s, there are four types of parenting style: the authoritarian parenting style, the permissive parenting style, the authoritative parenting style and later added uninvolved parenting style.
Authoritarian parents use a strict discipline style with little negotiation possible. Punishment is common. Communication is mostly one way: from parent to child. Rules are usually not explained and expectations are high with limited flexibility.
Permissive parents mostly let their children do what they want, and offer limited guidance or direction. They are more like friends than parents. Their discipline style is the opposite of strict. They have limited or no rules and mostly let children figure problems out on their own. Communication is open but these parents let children decide for themselves rather than giving direction. Expectations are typically minimal or not set by these parents.
Authoritative parents are reasonable and nurturing, and set high, clear expectations. Disciplinary rules are clear and the reasons behind them are explained. Communication is frequent and appropriate to the child’s level of understanding. Expectations and goals are high but stated clearly. Children may have input into goals. Children with parents who demonstrate this style tend to be self-disciplined and think for themselves.
Uninvolved parents give children a lot of freedom and generally stay out of their way. No particular discipline style is utilized. An uninvolved parent lets a child mostly do what he/she wants, probably due to lack of information or care. Communication is limited. There are few or no expectations of children.
Though each style takes a different approach to raising children and are broad, you may see aspects of each of them that define your own parenting style. Since there are no perfect parents, there are no perfect parenting philosophies. However, these labels may help you understand your relationship with your child better and see your values—a little more clearly.
3- Love unconditionally, discipline constructively and listen carefully
Loving your child unconditionally means that your child doesn’t have to be, or do, anything in particular to earn your love. You love him/her exactly as he/she is. Thus, in everything he/she does set goals based on his/her abilities and interests — not someone else’s (mostly yours) expectations. Do not expect perfection. Always celebrate accomplishments and don’t compare your child’s abilities to those of other children. Appreciate and be proud of his/her uniqueness.
Teach your children the value of apologies, cooperation, patience, forgiveness, and consideration for others. Foster her independence and self-worth. Help your child deal with life’s ups and downs. Show confidence in your child’s ability to handle problems and tackle new experiences. Use discipline as a form of teaching, not physical punishment. All children and families are different; learn what is effective for your child. Show approval for positive behaviors and help your child learn from her mistakes.
Being open and honest can make it easy for your child to talk to you. You can hear what your child is saying and talk about your thoughts and feelings. Try to use words and examples your child can understand. Encourage questions and express your willingness to talk about any subject. Be positive and provide comfort and assurance when you feel your child needs it. This will help build a stronger relationship between you two.
Most importantly, do your best to spend quality family time regularly with your children.
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