The 5 secrets to raising good kids, according to Harvard
According to researchers at Harvard University, love and guidance are the secrets to raising caring kids, and adults need to help their children learn empathy, caring and compassion early on. The school revealed that children who care about others are happier generally, so here are their five secrets to raising a happy and caring child.
1. Show them strong role models:
The researchers say children watch what we do and learn ethical values and behaviours by watching our actions and the actions of other adults they respect.
How? Watch out for when you are dealing with a difficult situation. Dealing with it positively and also expressing humility, self-awareness and honesty and talking openly about mistakes when you have made them teaches children to have care when dealing with other people and being honest themselves. Practicing being a good person by helping out in the community or offering help to others in time of need will also instil in children a sense of responsibility when it comes to others’ feelings.
2. Help them develop self control
The research states that children need our help in learning how to deal with conflict and expressing their emotions, knowing that all feelings are okay.
How? Teach them to identify and express their feelings openly and practice with them how to resolve conflicts in a calm manner by helping them name the feeling they are feeling, be it anger, frustration, sadness and so on.
3. Teach them to see a bigger picture
It is important for your child to care and see what is happening around them in their own lives, but equally as important for them to see a bigger picture – feeling empathy and understanding for the new kid in class, someone who cannot communicate as well as them because they speak a different language, as well as on a global scale.
How? Encourage your child to consider how this person may be feeling – whether they have difficulties at home, are new to the class, etc. Stress the importance of listening to others and use newspaper or TV stories to start conversations with children about other people’s hardships and challenges, or simply the different experiences of children in another country or community.
4. Make time for quality time with your kids
When you spend time with your children they learn from your love. Attachment makes children more receptive to your teachings and more aware of your values.
How? Plan regular one on one time with your child, engage in meaningful conversation with them that will help them bring out their opinions and feelings and better understand the world
5. Give them responsibilities
Learning to be caring and respectful is something that need to be repeated in order for your child to fully grasp. Regular repsonsibilities like helping out with household chores, having a classroom responsibility or helping their siblings will help develop children’s caregiving abilities.
How? Give your child small chores or helpful tasks around the house and let it be there responsibility. Whether it’s loading the dishwasher, making their bed or tidying away toys and teach them to express thanks when things are done for them.
maternity & infant
Originally posted 2015-09-16 14:17:54.