Young people are used to instant gratification and convenience, and for many parents today raising children who could be responsible and loving adults can be difficult. Though the debate on nature and nurture continues, psychologists and educators know that both affect a child’s personality and development. Everyone agrees that a good environment could do much to enhance a child’s emotional progress, but now research has also revealed that genetic influence can be altered with the proper influences at the right time.
It starts with the right environment
A pleasant learning environment should always start at home. But many parents also seek the help of early childhood educators, and in states like Arizona, they enroll their children in preschools where they could take advantage of that significant time in a child’s early development. Parents know that their children will learn how to play with other kids and socialize with other adults.
Find a preschool with a program that includes nutritional development and social-personal skills. Learning time should include developments for fine motor skills, such as writing, painting, and drawing. But a good program should also include lessons to enhance gross motor skills, such as jumping, running, and crawling. All these will ensure that your child will develop all the physical skills they need to develop a hobby or a passion.
Be firm, but loving
It’s normal for children to explore, and part of that exploration is making mistakes. But the situation should not be seen as unfavorable. Take it as a learning opportunity. Give your child some quiet time and explain why their actions are not acceptable. At first, they may not understand why, but if you remain consistent and follow through your actions and statements, your child will eventually understand why good behavior is essential.
Give them time to think and understand
When children do something that negatively affects other children, parents should talk to their child and explain why their actions hurt people and are not acceptable. Educators explain that it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be very patient, and allow the children to understand the situations and the mistake by themselves.
Reward and appreciate at the appropriate time
Words of encouragement and rewards are essential for children to feel motivated. But these rewards need not be material. In many studies, children who learn how to empathize are often rewarded with what they need the most: conversation and quality time with their parents, and time to indulge and explore their creativity. Children who spend time with their parents and develop healthy habits and hobbies grow up into well-adjusted adults. They also develop better communication skills, which means that when these children encounter a difficult situation or have a problem, they could easily communicate their problems to their support group:their parents, family and friends.
Raising a well-adjusted child is possible, but parents need to choose the right school at an early age, an environment where educators and caregivers can help them and their children become the kind of person they envision them to be.