As a parent, you’ll know how much the lives and the futures of your children matter. They’re not just small people that are living in your home – they are your flesh and blood, and the reason you get up in the morning. If they aren’t having a good time in life, then neither are you. You’ll by no means be too overbearing or live vicariously through them, but you’ll feel every emotion they feel.
In order for people to have a good start in their adult lives, they need to typically have had good childhoods. This means it’s your job to set up your kids in the right way. If they have a good life growing up and are put into the right headspace as they look to attack the world ahead of them, they’ll do just fine. Here are a few ways you can ensure your kids get off to a good start:
Ensure You’re Okay On Your End
They say that you cannot pour from an empty jug – and it’s completely true. While you have a job to do, you still need to make sure you’re doing okay yourself. If you’re not in the best possible headspace or physical space, then you’re not going to be the best possible parent. Look after yourself so that you can help others and give them the best time. Do what you can to improve your mental health if ever it dips. Do as much as you can to keep yourself in the right physical shape. It will make everyone’s life so much easier.
Get Them Into The Right Education
If your children are taught by the right people and are surrounded by the right individuals, they’re going to have a much better experience. Whether it be in preschools or in higher education levels, they’re going to need to be in the right setting. Don’t just throw them into the first option you find.
Surround Them With The Right Groups
If your child is with kids that seem as though they’re a little rough around the edges, then it might not be a good fit. Now, judging others obviously isn’t a great move, so never immediately judge one by its cover. If they’re not having a good experience with certain kids, however, ensure they’re put with ones that they’ll click with. Who you are surrounded by in life makes such a big difference in terms of how you’ll feel each and every day.
Encourage Them To Do What They Enjoy
If kids are told what to do all of the time, it takes away their freedom. They’ll always look to their parents or their elders (or anyone with a little esteem to their name) and need validation. Encourage your kids and speak with praise whenever they do something independently or when they follow what they feel is right.
Photo by Hillshire Farm on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
