Are you a PARENT? Make Sure to Make it Count!

We normally think of affirming children by using supportive words to empower them or by highlighting their qualities and character. However, some instances reminded me that parents often forget an important part of affirmation: being there in their children’s life.

According to a new study, parents who connect and are present with their children actively help them develop critical cognitive skills, life skills, and ultimately thrive to be successful. Parents may also help their children develop focus, concentration, and self-control as well.

They also help with critical thinking, empathy, perspective, relationship building, and communication. A child who has a ‘present’ parent never regrets taking risks, which prepares them to be self-directed. The relationships of parents have a significant impact on the physical and mental development of their children and even though each child is unique in their talents, present parents are the only ones who can consistently mold and support their children. Parents are responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for their children.

The most important parenting tip I have ever received throughout the years is to MAKE SURE IT COUNTS. Make sure your time with your children counts.
You can’t be there all the time, but when you are there make it count!

Children will feel content and independent for the next half hour or so, according to some experts, after 15 minutes of fully focused attention. If a work email must be sent immediately but your toddler is unable to play alone, spend 15 minutes reading books with him before returning to your work. Consider the positive time and attention you provide your children as “money in the bank,” or a positive relationship you can rely on when you need to be away from them. Show that you’re “present” by doing the following:

• Putting your phone, tablet, or other electronic gadget down and out of sight.
• Avoid generic judging phrases like “excellent work,” even if they appear to be positive; instead, reply explicitly and descriptively, such as “You produced a pretty big ball with that clay.” When you respond in this way, your child feels “seen,” loved, and cared for, which boosts their self-esteem.
• Being able to communicate with your kid at eye level. Toddlers are small individuals living in a large world. It’s terrifying to be constantly looking up at individuals who tower over you. They feel safe when you talk to them on their level; they like being able to make eye contact with you, and you can listen more carefully.
• Taking your child’s lead. Tired of answering a million “why” inquiries during the day? Use “Incidental Teaching.” “How deep do YOU believe the ocean is?” you could ask your child. ” Or you might respond with a question that helps them connect the dots, such as “Is it deeper than the bathtub?” Is that your pool? ”

Remember to smile at them, embrace them, sing to them, and listen to their hobbies as your children grow up “in the blink of an eye.” When you do, your child will learn to be self-assured and independent while also knowing and trusting that they are loved and cared for.