Kids are fragile and naive in nature – but they should never stay that way forever.
It’s totally understandable when parents go nuts when their kids stumble and fall (literally or figuratively). Parents are naturally protective and defensive of their young. Even in the animal kingdom, this is undeniably a rule of thumb. However, even animals know how to prepare the young ones to face the big world. Although we, human parents, want to provide the most comfortable life for our children, oftentimes, this comfort can also hinder them to develop the “life muscles” that they will be needing in the future for a life full of responsibilities to take.
You might say you already know most of the things that we will discuss below. But this is mostly to remind us of what lies ahead and what our kids truly need to learn and experience in this life.
1. Parent participation is number one (but over-participation is highly discouraged)
In this day and age, we can’t avoid that both parents work for a living. There are also a lot of single parents who can’t afford to lose their means of income. As a result, a lot of kids today grow up in a home where adult supervision is lesser than it should be for their age. During their formative years up to their teen years, it is highly encouraged to be lovingly involved in your children’s life as much as you possibly can. Know how they are doing at school, who their friends are, what are their hobbies and interests, and a lot more. In this way, you will develop a kind of relationship that will make a very lasting impact in their lives.
However, we also discourage stressful parent participation in a child’s life.
2. School curriculum can make a big difference
Because most of a child’s time is spent at school, it is necessary to find not only the right school, but a school with a good curriculum. According to studies, a holistic type of curriculum is great in terms of preparing your kid for the big world ahead and not only for the future. For instance, there is a known Singapore International School which promotes its Global Montessori Plus (GMP) programme which centers mainly on children reaching their full potential on social, emotional and intellectual capacities.
3. Life outside the academe is important
Keep in mind that the kids have lives outside the school. Allow them some time for play, hobbies and social interaction. Equal time for everything is the healthiest for them and their growth.
4. Trust your kids – Give allowance for mistakes
Your kids are a whole new human being. Although they are not expected to decide excellently all the time, show them that you trust them on certain areas. But also don’t forget to still be very patient and that mistakes are still very much inevitable. It would also help big time if you will praise them once they did something right. It’s a milestone for both you and them.
As parents, it’s sometimes hard to draw a line between taking care of them and allowing them to grow and mature in life. But this is a must, because they should never stay kids forever.
