Teach your child that’s its OK to have quiet time.
Let your child see you reading, resting, and just enjoying family and friends. Teach your children that life doesn’t have to be a merry-go-around of activity every minute of the day. Remember even God rested on the seventh day.
Instill a sense of empathy in your child.
If your child is hurtful, use role-playing to demonstrate how it feels when hurtful words or actions are used. Teach your child that words can be just as hurtful as hitting. Statistics show that children who have a sense of empathy are less likely to be involved in criminal activity.
Promote healthy eating and exercise habits.
New studies cite statistics that obesity amongst children is reaching epidemic proportions. Furthermore, another study revealed that obesity can result in learning difficulties. Encourage your child to be active, respect food and make healthy food choices. Don’t just dictate, instead participate, join in and get fit too.
Appreciate your child for their own uniqueness.
Your child may be entirely different from you, learn to adapt to their world no matter how diverse it is from yours. If you’re sports-orientated and your child is creative, make an effort to engage in activities that interest your child even if they aren’t to your preference. Years from now, your child will appreciate the effort you made to understand them and their world. Remember to introduce your child to things that interest you also so they can learn to appreciate all the world has to offer.
Don’t try to be your child’s friend.
You are the parent. Your child needs a parent to guide them into adulthood, actions speak louder than words - act accordingly.