As parents, we want our children to have the best and to be the best versions of themselves. We do what we can to help them shape their personalities, all the while giving them the freedom to be themselves, rather than simply our copies.And even though there is only so much we can instil in them, there are certain values, skills and knowledges we can pass on to them, from one generation to the next. These can be viewed as gifts which can allow our children to grow into honest, capable and respectful people one day.
Teach them how to play with others
What’s perceived as game today can become a priceless skill in the future. This is why it’s essential that your children know how to function well with others. Teach them about tolerance and understanding, so that they always have the patience and will to hear others’ ideas and thoughts. This is how they’ll develop empathy and learn how to value others through their opinions and ways of thinking, rather than through their external features. This can prove to be very useful, not only at school but also when they get a job one day, since teamwork is something every employer will appreciate and probably reward.
Feed their curiosity
Let your kids be as curious as they want, and more. It will encourage them to explore the world around them, to ask questions and to turn to books for all sorts of answers. Take them with you when you travel and when they’re old enough, let them visit countries they’re most curious about. There is a lot to be gained from learning about other cultures and traditions, not to mention different languages. Let them try new foods, meet new people and experience new things, since that way they’ll grow up to be open-minded, with vibrant personalities and knowledges they wouldn?t come to otherwise.
Show them how to care for the environment
Children learn in many ways, but the fastest and most common way is probably learning by example. So, by caring for the environment, you’ll make them understand that we only have one planet and that we have to be grateful for it. Never litter, always sort your waste and recycle anything that can be recycled. Plant a tree or some flowers with your little ones and then water them and maintain them till they grow and bloom. Teach them to be kind to animals, and perhaps even get a pet which you can take care of together, teaching them responsibility towards the living world around them.
Encourage them to invest into their future
There are many ways we can invest in our future and your children should be aware of them. Let them know how important it is to invest in their education, so that they can choose where to work and how to live when they grow up and become independent. Furthermore, teach them the benefits of having insurance, since finding a good life insurance policy can keep them safe in case that they get ill or have an accident one day. It can also be a great financial plan for their golden years, since it can allow them to save money for when they retire and want to enjoy their life to the fullest.
Help them develop healthy habits
The only way to live a long and happy life is to nurture good health from the earliest of age. This is why it’s your job to instill as many healthy habits in your kids as you possibly can. Again, this is something that?s best done by example, so engage in physical activity with them regularly, make healthy meals for your whole family every day and make sure you all get enough sleep. If your little ones see you smoke or drink alcohol, they’ll think it’s something that they can or should do themselves, so avoid these bad habits. Maintain good personal hygiene and spend a lot of time outdoors. Instead of buying computers and video games, get bicycles or roller skates for all of you and opt for healthy activities rather than the unhealthy ones.
Demonstrate good manners
Although you should let your children be free to express themselves, it doesn’t mean you should just let them act any way they see fit, without any regard to those around them. Show them how that there is difference in how you should behave at home, outside with your friends, or in a restaurant with strangers around you.
Being polite is important and they should know how to conduct around their friends and family, but also their peers, teachers and one day employers, coworkers and clients. They should know when to say ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’, and how to show others the respect they want to be treated with, too.
Invest plenty of time and patience in your children and one day they’ll do the same for their own kids. And finally, make sure that every lesson you teach them is a useful one.
Tracey Clayton is a working mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home decor and healthy living. Her motto is: Live the life you love, love the life you live.