Parents are the first human beings we meet once we arrive in this world and the most important guidance we have in life. The basic knowledge we gain in life comes in a form of a lesson from our parents.
Everything we ever become later in life is pretty much built on the foundation made by our mothers and fathers.
So, if you are soon-to-be a parent, it is essential to understand the importance of setting a good example for your children. Start by asking yourself “What can I do, to make sure my children grow into successful and kind individuals?
Here’s what science has to say about it:
1. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SPOUSE
First of all, as a parent, you need to make sure to set an example of a healthy relationship. You have to teach your children respect. And the only way for them to learn is by showing them.
According to studies, children who live in with non-conflictual single-parent families grow up to lead a more successful life than children found in conflictual two-parent families.
2. MAKE SURE TO ALWAYS GATHER YOUR FAMILY AROUND THE DINNER TABLE
The thing is, we’re always busy, but it is extremely important to preserve and cherish those rare family moments. Even if it’s 2 or 3 times a week, try to gather and eat dinner as a family.
A research has shown that kids who eat with their families for at least 5 times a week, show low-level possibilities of potential substance abuse, teen pregnancy or depression.
In other words, they grow up with by maintaining a healthy relationship with their families.
3. LIMIT THE “SCREEN” TIME
Researchers have discovered that extended time on smartphones and tables can permanently damage the brain of little kids. Ultimately, it can affect the development of certain essential cognitive functions, including focus, attention, social skills etc.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that kids younger than 18 months should have no screen time at all. Whereas, for 3-5-year olds, the screen time should be limited to one hour a day.
4. WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME
We all know the perks of working at home. Especially when you’re a new-born mommy. You get to be around them all the time, watch them grow and still work.
However, researchers at Harvard Business School have found that moms who work outside the home, set a better example for their children. Their raise successful and ambitious children who live to chase their dreams and pursue their career goals.
5. MOTIVATE YOUR CHILDREN TO WORK
Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford University and author of ‘How to Raise an Adult’ shared a very truthful statement during heir Ted talk.
She said: “If kids aren’t doing the dishes, it means someone else is doing that for them.”
“And so, they’re absolved of not only the work but of learning that work has to be done and that each one of us must contribute for the betterment of the whole,”
“By making them do chores — taking out the garbage, doing their own laundry — they realize I have to do the work of life in order to be part of life.”
6. DELAY GRATIFICATION
The Marshmallow experiment of 72’ that involved placing a marshmallow in front of a kid with the promise of a second marshmallow if the kid could refrain from eating it, showed that the kids who were able to resist the temptation grew up to be successful individuals with high test scores and better social skills.
“They show up and deliver day after day while everyone else gets bogged down with the urgencies of daily life and fights a constant battle between procrastination and motivation,” says James Clear, an author, and speaker who studies the habits of successful people.
7. READ TO THEM
Researchers at New York University School of Medicine have found that babies whose parents read to them have grown with a better-developed language, literacy, and extraordinary intellectual progress.
8. ENCOURAGE THEM TO TRAVEL AND SEE THE WORLD
Don’t be afraid to let your kids explore the world and live their lives. Traveling will broaden their horizons. It will increase their independence and willingness to learn more. It will boost their intellectual curiosity and sense of self.
Seeing different cultures will make them adapt to a certain environment and teach them to find the beauty of every moment.
9. LET THEM LEARN THE LESSONS FROM FAILURE
It may seem foolish, but it is one of the best things you can do to prepare your children for their lives.
According to Dr. Stephanie O’Leary, a clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and author of Parenting in the Real World: The Rules Have Changed, failure is good. Experiencing a failure will not only help the child to cope with the situation, but it will teach him/her the importance of hard work.
Children who have experienced failures in their lives are more resilient and determined to get something done. They might have failed, but that will never stop them from trying again.
Image: Murshed Ahamed
