The foundation for well-adjusted kids starts with us as Parents as we help them develop generosity, responsibility, appreciation, warmth, kindness, helpfulness and a hard-work ethic during the early years. Kids cannnot think at a maturiy level to break a bad bahvior cycle so we parents are responsible for providing the basics to help them succeed and grow.
There are many new challenges for kids such as learning how to interact with others, self-control, and empathy. Routines help kids feel grounded and relaxed. Especially when they know what to expect at meal times, bedtimes, and in the mornings.
Between activities and school, kids can struggle to settle before bed time. The building block for healthy brain development is sleep. Kids brains are constantly developing and creating new neural connections which is why the most basic thing a parent can do for a child's behavior, health and well-being is help them get the sleep they need.
Make your expectations known. List what you expect from yourself in relation to your kids, think about what you can and can't live without, and think about what matters most to you. Responsibility, loyalty, respect? Write out and share your principle guidelines. You are not trying to control your child, but rather teach them accountability and how to make good, informed decisions.
Hugging enhances internal and external growth by triggering the release of oxytocin, also known as our feel-good, love hormone. Everyone needs a hug and kids need at least 4-12 hugs a day.
As adults we have more responsibilities, stresses, and obligations and without knowing it we may become disconnected from our kids. Kids are made to play and create and need our guidance, participation, and encouragement. Life can be short so we must never forget the value of quality time with our families.
“In order for the brain’s neural networks to develop normally during the critical period, a child needs specific stimuli from the outside environment. These are rules that have evolved over centuries of human evolution, but—not surprisingly—these essential stimuli are not found on today’s tablet screens. When a young child spends too much time in front of a screen and not enough getting required stimuli from the real world, her development becomes stunted.” – Dr. Liraz Margalit
Read books, review letters and alphabets, bake, color, build,....so many other things can benefit kids brain development to help them better succeed in this world.
Kids benefit from chores more than we realize. Research indicates that those children who do have a set of chores have higher self-esteem, are more responsible, and are better able to deal with frustration and delay gratification, all of which contribute to greater success in school and life. We need our kids to learn how to be independent starting with the little things early on. Picking up toys, putting dishes at the sink, dirty clothes in laundry, and making a sandwich. This will make them feel productive and smart.