Parents are often worried about the education and future of their kids. It is natural, after all, we all want best for our kids. We want them to be prepared for when they grow up and step into the adult life. Apart from the lessons that you would find in books and schools, there are certain important life lessons that parents can and must teach their kids.
Wondering what kind of lessons we are talking about, Parenting Expert and Coach, Sushant Kalra, Founder of Parwarish Institute of Parenting, tells us 4 important life lessons that parents must teach their kids. And these are some of the simplest of things that most of us often forget, but they have a big impact.
1. You are Capable
One of the most important lessons that Parents must teach their child is that – you are capable! You can do anything and you are born with unlimited capabilities and power. Along with that you must also tell that just like that everyone is born with unlimited capabilities. Everyone is born equal, and every child has potential for greatness. This is important as this lead to the second lesson that parents must teach their child.
2. Empathy and Compassion
Empathy, compassion and respect that you show towards others is very crucial in life. It is far more critical than winning over someone or being in competition with them. So, making sure that your child believes in compassion, empathy and collaboration versus the idea of being above others. Collaboration over competition is a valuable life lesson we can teach young kids.
3. Telling your child – “You can”
Whether your child succeeds in something or fails, feed them the magical words – you can! Your faith in them can be amazing for them and their confidence. Think of any area of your life when you are struggling or going through a tough time or not getting the results you want. Now if at such a time, your parents come up and say to you – “you can do this” or “we know you will be able to do it” – imagine the level of confidence it can restore in you. So make sure you keep telling them this as this is a lesson they will remember even when they grow up or when they are struggling in their life.
4. Teach them communication
Communication is not only just “talking,” it is related to opening up about your feelings and being able to express your emotions. Show them it is okay to talk about being sad, happy, angry, frustrated, stressed, guilty, etc. There are no good or bad feelings, and they should be able to communicate about it. If we are not able to communicate those emotions, we end up expressing them negatively. Rather than saying we are angry or irritated, we often end up “expressing” with our actions which can be negative.
We often forget to teach kids how to experience, articulate or express their emotions. And this is something that needs to be shown to kids by our actions as well. Parents need to learn how to express and articulate their emotions in words rather than actions as well so kids can learn the same.
So, make sure to teach your kids these simple yet important life lessons as these will stay with them all through their adult life.
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