Children's Day Special! Parenting and Child's Education

- Morals

- Self Esteem

- Discovery of Potentials

- Sex Education

"Children are an heritage of the Lord " is a biblical saying widely accepted by many as it relates to children and their value. Truly, children are gifts from God and everyone desires such great gift.

In real terms, having children is not enough but parenting or child rearing is a necessity on the arrival of a kid. Parenting or child rearing is the process of promoting and supporting the spiritual, physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting refers to the intricacies of raising a child and not exclusively for a biological relationship.

Raising kids is one of the toughest and most fulfilling jobs in the world and one for which most people feel the least prepared. Four cardinal areas have been identified for considerations to make a fulfilled parent as well as children.

  

                   

1. Morals: With the increasing rate of decaying morals in the society today, there's need for creating balanced morals in children for life's fulfillment. Moral upbringing is the process of introducing the child to the world of values and moral norms.

In order to fulfill that function, the family/parent has to;

a. Meet the basic biological and physical needs of the child; the need to be loved, feel safe, appreciated and accepted.

b. Provide the child with socially required patterns of behaviour and emphasize values, norms and rules of peaceful coexistence in the society.

c. Be a good role model. Practise what you preach.

2. Self Esteem: kids start developing their sense of self as babies when they see themselves through their parents' eyes. Your tone of voice, your body language, and your every expression are absorbed by your kids.

Your words and actions as a parent affect their developing self esteem more than anything else. Note the following ;

a. Praising their accomplishments, however small, will make them feel proud. Encourage them.

b. Letting kids do things independently will make them feel capable and strong.

c. Belittling comments or comparing a child unfavourably with another will make kids feel worthless.

d. Avoid making loaded statements or using words as weapons.

e. Correct them with love when they make mistakes.

3. Discovering of Potentials: Research has shown that "the first 24 months of life is the most sensitive period for the optimal development of emotional intelligence which is important to children's holistic development during their growing up years. These are among the factors to take into consideration to ensure a child is able to maximise his or her learning abilities to the fullest."

Tips to discover your child's potential; 

1. Listen to your children. Pay attention to them.

2. Give them choices. Don't decide on their behalf. Always give them choices.

3. Support their decisions.

4. Encourage children to self-learn.

5. Set goals for them. It motivates them to strive for the best.

6. Do critical thinking activities with them. Play games such as building puzzle or chess during free time with them.

4. Sex Education: If parents do not teach their children about sex and sexuality, then they will learn about it from somewhere else. As children begin to walk and talk, they also begin to learn about their body. 

Sex Education doesn't need to be a single tell-all discussion. Follow your child's enquiry about what he or she needs to know and when.

If you're uncomfortable educating your kid(s) about sex, continue. Remember you're setting the stage for open, honest discussions in the years to come. Consider who's best to educate your child, is it you or the TV, the internet or your child's friends? You wouldn't want to live in regrets.

Finally, pray for them. Your efforts in their lives will not be in vain. Amen.

Do well to leave your comments below.
Edited by PraiseGod Wome