As children, my brother and I were fortunate to be taught valuable life skills by our father, such as cycling, reading, and safety precautions. These were crucial abilities that have stayed with us as we've grown older. Although I've passed on these skills to my own children, my father also imparted 10 additional lessons that we couldn't have learned from anyone else. His actions, words, and treatment of us were examples that we looked up to, and they continue to inspire us to raise our own children the same way. We often reminisce about these lessons, which have taught us how to be better parents. And now, I'm eager to share these lessons with you...
1. Eat meals together
One lesson, in particular, was the importance of eating shared meals. This simple act brought our family closer together and allowed us to bond over food and conversation. As a parent, I've continued this tradition with my own children and can attest to its benefits. It's a small but meaningful way to strengthen family relationships and create lasting memories. Some of the most memorable moments of my childhood were the family dinners my father made sure to attend after work.
Whether it was a fancy meal or a simple sandwich, what mattered most was that we spent quality time together as a family around the kitchen or dining room table. Although I can't recall what we ate during those dinners, I remember the joy of being surrounded by my loved ones. As parents, we have the power to create special moments for our children that help build a strong family bond, establish a routine, promote healthy eating habits, and provide an opportunity for our kids to share their daily experiences with us.
2. Remember, children do more as they see more than what they are told
Parents inevitably become role models for their children, whether they intend to or not. You teach your children how to navigate the world and how to treat others. It's important to model values like humility, compassion, and responsibility. Remember that your children are always watching how you handle situations and the choices you make. Even seemingly minor mistakes can have a lasting impact on their behavior and attitudes.
3. Encourage your children to develop a love for reading.
As a child, my father used to read stories to my brothers and me before bed. This helped us develop a love for books that has stayed with us even into adulthood, and we prefer reading to watching television. With the rise of technology, computers and smartphones have become a major part of children's leisure time. However, reading to children from a young age can instill a love of reading that will stay with them as they grow up. This can have a significant impact on the way they treat books throughout their lives, especially with so many other distractions competing for their attention. One simple step you can take is to give them your full attention when you read to them.
4. Give them your full attention
It's important to take the time to listen to your children when they want to share details about their lives. If you're busy with something else, try to arrange a time when you can give them your full attention. This will help them learn the value of listening and communication. As they grow up, you'll appreciate the moments you spent together.
5. Add some fun activities to your time together
It's crucial to remember that while parenting involves a lot of serious responsibilities like teaching and disciplining, it's equally important to have fun with your children. Let your inner child shine through, and don't be afraid to be silly with your kids. Laughter is not only good for your health, but also helps strengthen your bond as a family. I remember how much my dad's willingness to get down and dirty in the garden with us made us appreciate him even more as a parent. So, don't forget to let loose and enjoy quality time with your kids.
6. Don't forget to show your softer side
Many parents find joy in expressing affection towards their children by hugging them, telling them they love them and giving them a goodnight kiss on the forehead before bed. However, some parents may struggle with this due to their own past experiences or discomfort with showing emotions. It's important to remember that small gestures of love and affection, like my father's nightly hugs, can have a lasting impact on a child. It's crucial to communicate your love to your children frequently and consistently, as it can greatly influence their behavior and emotional well-being
7. Keep your promises
It is very important to keep promises made to children. When a parent fails to keep their word, it can lead to disappointment and a lack of trust. Keeping promises helps children feel valued and loved, and it also teaches them the importance of following through on commitments.
Make sure to only make promises that can be realistically kept, and when unexpected circumstances arise, communicate openly with your child about the situation. By keeping promises, parents can build strong relationships with their children based on trust and respect. As parents, it's important to not only expect our children to complete their homework, but also to follow through on our promises to them. Even with limitations, we must avoid making a habit of breaking promises. It's crucial to help our children understand the importance of keeping promises and if there's a possibility of not being able to fulfill them, communicate it beforehand and set a new date. Ultimately, keeping our cool and avoiding anger in the education framework is essential.
8. Leave anger out of discipline
It is important to discipline and educate children, however, parents often make the mistake of letting their anger control the situation. My father taught us with love and care, reminding us that our actions have consequences and guiding us toward desirable behavior through positive reinforcement such as kind words and attention. He believed that being fair and allowing children to grow and develop was the most effective way to educate them, rather than instilling fear in them.
9. Communicate as a family
My father always made sure that we were included in any conversation about us, whether it was a decision or trouble we got into. This helped us feel like a united family, where we could always speak our minds and be heard. As a result, our relationship with our parents improved and the effects of our conversations lasted a long time. It's important to remember that parenting is a lifelong job.
10. Remembering parenting is a life-long career
Throughout the years, whenever someone asked my father where he worked, he would always respond with a grin that he had two occupations. The one he opted for and the one he didn't. He wholeheartedly chose parenting as his job, and even after we grew up and moved out, he remained eager for us to come to him for advice or simply to chat, and he wished to remain a significant part of our lives. Children will always be children, and though the type of problems they face will change over time, as well as their ability to tackle them, they will frequently seek your advice. Reassure them that your door will always be open to them, regardless of their age or the issue at hand, and even if you can't solve every problem, you will always embrace them and be delighted to listen to them.
