Children are the purest forms of human beings on Earth. They are the most extraordinary souls who radiate an immense goodness and innocence in our world.
Their tiny, fragile hearts know of nothing less than pure love. Because they exist inside a bubble, untouched by the agonizing, frightful reality. Safe, away from the cruelty.
However, even though their purity and potential development depend on their general surroundings, parents are the essential part of a kid’s existence.
So, considering that the first knowledge kids ever receive is the one their parents are providing them with, we definitely need more responsible and loving parents. Because they are the people who help us make our first steps, who teach us how to treat others, who have the initial influence on our overall personality.
“Grades and athletic/artistic accomplishments matter, but most of us would agree raising kind kids matters more. If we spend our days drilling math facts and chauffeuring our kids to “enrichment activities,” it begs the question: What are we prioritizing most—and why,” adds Dr. Robin Berman.
Here are the most important things all of you parents and future moms and dads need to know in order to raise fine and good-hearted children:
1. BE THEIR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL
Whether we like or not, our parents are our biggest role model and support in life. They are the first human beings we meet when we arrive in this world, so naturally, they become our guidance.
Having said that, considering that a child is pure and absorbent as a sponge, it is essentially important for parents to adjust a certain appropriate and genuine behavior. Because kids are always going to consider them as their heroes.
Make sure to be a strong, ethical role model and a mentor.
According to a study by Harvard University, “Being a role model doesn’t mean that we need to be perfect or have all the answers. It means grappling with our flaws, acknowledging our mistakes, listening to our children and students, and connecting our values to their ways of understanding the world.”
2. TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT EMPATHY
One of the essential methods of learning about the power of empathy is through the heart. By first feeling it inside of you. So, when you teach your children about the importance of the interaction with the world, start by empathizing with them first.
Make them feel what care, compassion, kindness, and humanity is. It can be hard to imagine the way they see and feel about things since they’re not fully prepared to express their emotions. However, it is essential to show them what empathy truly signifies.
“Unfortunately, selfie culture is not helping our children grow their highest or happiest selves. Studies show that the more we connect with others, the happier we are. So, we need to make sure we are spending more time looking out, rather than looking at our own selfies,” says Dr. Berman.
3. MAKE THEM REALIZE THAT CARING FOR OTHERS IS VERY IMPORTANT
We’re all well aware that as humans of the 21st century who’ve experienced pretty much the unthinkable, we often make caring for ourselves the most important thing. And, sometimes, it is the best decision of our lives.
However, taking care of others and understanding their needs should be one of the most important things we teach our children to do. We’re in a desperate need of more and more selfless and altruistic human beings.
Show your children that we’re all equal. Teach them that solidarity and unity are more important than the ego.
“With guidance from adults and practice, young people can also develop the skills and courage to know when and how to intervene in situations when they and others are imperiled. They can become effective “upstanders” or “first responders.”, states the study from Harvard University.
4. HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF THEIR EMOTIONS
The spectrum of emotions isn’t all bright and pinkish. There are emotions, with such dangerous intensities, that not all of us know how to handle. And that goes, especially for children.
Some of these emotions, for example, anger and frustration can be troubling for children to comprehend. That’s why parents should make sure to teach their kids the most suitable ways to address these emotions when manifested.
Because a youngster who isn’t instructed will eventually express its emotions in a brutal and physical way – by hitting, kicking, screaming.
“We need to teach children that all feelings are ok, but some ways of dealing with them are not helpful. Children need our help learning to cope with these feelings in productive ways,” add Harvard psychologists.
5. PRAISE EACHOTHER CONSISTENTLY
“The power of mindful words can’t be overstated. Words can inflame or inspire. The diplomacy you teach will allow your kids to be heard in the future. It also feeds a gentler narrative in their head.” – Dr. Robin Berman
Praise and consistency are the essential keys to raising a good-hearted child. Kindness comes from within, but also takes a lot of work. So, when your child manifests a certain act of kindness, make sure to recognize it and acknowledge it. Praise them and show them they’re on the right track.
As adults, we should adopt kindness and compassion in every relationship we nurture, because those tiny individuals will always look up to us. What they see and what they feel throughout their lives, is precisely what will influence the person they’ll become.
