By Catherine Hume
The world is changing, and it seems that there are more issues for parents to be concerned about, but the main concern is the impact on children. Parents want to protect their children from anxiety and depression, as well as all the problems their children will encounter, such as cyberbullying. But how?
The best thing a parent can be to their child is someone that the child can trust. Parents can build up trust with their child by being consistent and reliable. If you say you are going to do something, do it. Being consistent and reliable shows your child that if something goes wrong in life, you will always be there to support them. This builds hope. A child who has this important foundation of trust becomes an adult who is hopeful, who can weather the storms of life knowing that there are people who care for them and will help them.
Do the simple things with your child. Going to the park and feeding the ducks builds up memories but is also teaches your child a little about the world. Taking your child to the play park where there are swings and climbing frames are not only good for your child’s physical development, but also their emotional development. Letting your child climb is managed risk. Children need managed risk to gain confidence in themselves, their abilities and their judgment.
Most parents play running games and board games with their children, often letting their children win. This is great, but it is important that children also experience losing at something. By losing, children experience failure and learn how to deal with failure. However, if a child experiences too much failure, they will feel inadequate and unable to cope in the world. Each child needs a balance of success and failure to build the ability to try again at things they find difficult.
A child who has this important foundation of trust becomes an adult who is hopeful, who can weather the storms of life knowing that there are people who care for them and will help them.
