Today we’re going to talk about some tips for raising level headed children. As parents, we want our kids to be confident, but not arrogant; kind, yet not pushovers. So, how do we find the balance?
As a blogger, my daughters have had the opportunity to be in the spotlight so to speak. Our girls have been pictured in local news and radio; they have been featured in National magazines, they have gone on exciting trips and received on trend products from top brands. Most recently our daughters appeared with our family in three of Subway® Canada’s Warm up with Subway videos (1, 2, 3).
Our family loved going to Canada’s capital city where we enjoyed warming up with some delicious soup after having fun skating on the rink of dreams. There is nothing more comforting than a yummy bowl of soup and being together with friends and family.
When we got home after the filming, the last thing I would have wanted would be to have my girls bragging about their experience. Of course, it is fine for them to be excited and to share what they got to do, but from a place of appreciation and gratitude, not entitlement.
TIPS ON RAISING CHILDREN TO BE LEVEL-HEADED
BE THE EXAMPLE
As a parent, take a look at yourself. Are you level-headed or would you find yourself more on one side or the other? Children tend to follow by example.
TEACH APPRECIATION
Don’t let your child get whatever they want. It may be difficult to say no at the moment, but it will be worth it later. It is important to teach appreciation and not a materialistic entitlement. Let your child work hard and earn something if they must have it.
SET EXPECTATIONS
Let your kids know that you expect them to be respectful and kind to others. Setting high standards in this regard is ok. Children will rise to the expectations.
MISTAKES ARE OK
Our job is not to raise children who never make mistakes, it’s our job to make sure they learn from their mistakes. Don’t cover-up or make excuses for your child – let them learn their lesson, even if others will judge you for it. It is better for a child to learn hard lessons when they are younger.
As much as parents want their children to have the things and experiences they did not have themselves, handing them luxuries on a silver platter can have undesirable outcomes.
Our girls may be in the spotlight more than other kids their age, but that does not make them better than anyone else, and they know that. Raising children to be level-headed, have common sense, and know how to work hard, will be well worth the investment.
You may also like this post on BUILDING RESILIENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN YOUR CHILDREN:
Elaine Buonsante
Sunday 4th of June 2017
Teaching appreciation is a big one for me. An example came to mind this week when my 12 year old granddaughter was telling me about fidget spinners. She really wanted one but didn't have money on hand to get one. No one was about to go out and buy one for her. My daughter took the opportunity to use it as a goal when her bedroom was all clean. Did that incentive ever work well!
Jody @ Mommy Moment
Monday 5th of June 2017
Appreciation is very important. Thanks for sharing that little example with us.