Family Support Vital in Education of Children
February 11, 2006
Being a parent is very demanding. You must provide care for yourself, a spouse, and children. There are definite measures parents and family members can take to rear children with a clear sense of right and wrong, helping them to become productive citizens with strong family values.
Setting an example for children is the most profound way parents influence their children. By avoiding misuse of drugs or alcohol, parents are helping their children form an image of a drug-free lifestyle. If parents demonstrate restraint and discipline in many ways, children will hopefully learn from the parenting example.
Parents play an important role in development and lay the groundwork for children's perceptions, personality, moral make-up, and feelings of worth and value. Making good safe decisions can enhance children's feelings of self-worth and help safeguard them from the influences of peer pressure, alcohol, or other drugs. Children of all ages are more likely to talk to parents who are willing and available to listen.
Parents should constantly tell children they love them and remind them how important they are to them and how important they are to the general overall functioning of the family. Parents should praise their children and encourage them in their efforts and talents. It is a good thing to have high, but reasonable standard and expectations for children. Especially, when they have very recognizable gifts and talents in specific areas.
By spending quality time with our children, we build an atmosphere of family unity. Quality time in areas that the entire family enjoys promotes self-esteem and builds a trust and respect for each member of the family.
Discipline is important to our children. Many times children express a desire to see if they are loved. Children understand that parents who discipline really love them and they want rules and guidelines. Discipline is not necessarily punishment, but the promotion of each child to exercise and build on their self-worth. Punishment is actually the result of children not disciplining themselves.
If parents will put themselves in the position of the children, we many times can see how hurtful and criticizing our behaviors can be. We punish with action, not degrading and humiliating attitudes. "I love you, but I don't love your behavior" are ways to teach discipline and avoid destroying the child.
Listen to your instincts. If something does not seem right, follow the initial feelings and teach children to do the same. This will help them build trust in themselves. By standing on what just seems right, promotes positive decision making and making right choices in their lives. Also, recognizing our own weaknesses and telling them about them, and apologizing when we are wrong, gives children the ability of recognize right from wrong.
