FAMILY VALUES
Raising Kids Today By Martha Brown
W
e often hear people exclaim, “It’s so hard raising kids today!” Unfortunately, they are right--every generation has its challenges. In today’s technology-driven and fast-paced society, effective communication and common courtesy are more crucial than ever. As parents and guardians, we should ensure that children are raised in a way that promotes essential skills and manners. “Children are not born simply good or bad, and we should never give up on them. They need adults who will help them become caring, respectful, and responsible for their communities at every stage of their childhood,” reports Richard Weissbourd, Harvard University Psychologist.
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A youngster’s worldview and character are shaped by two main factors: the environment they are exposed to and how they are acknowledged, validated, accepted, and treated. Every step as an adolescent will assist in determining their direction in the future. Parents, grandparents, role models, caregivers, and guardians must be intentional in guiding each child. There should be an obvious, unified approach when rewarding, encouraging, affirming, and disciplining. Instinctually parents want to place their children in a protective bubble. Children can be very open to strangers; they may easily talk to others without hesitation or prejudice, and they are naturally fun and curious. It is important to be safe and cautious, but if children are always restricted from talking to other people, it may hinder their natural sense of communication and independence. Allow your child to converse freely with people of all ages--from schoolmates to grandparents and extended family, to the lady operating the register at the grocery store, as long as they are safe. Distance yourself enough to give the child space to freely converse, but not so far away that the conversation cannot be monitored. Listening intently to others and patiently waiting for their turn to speak can seem like an impossible feat for youngsters due to their short attention spans, but with patience it is achievable. A great way to instill responsibility in a child is by giving them daily, manageable tasks according to their maturity level and physical capabilities. Create a notebook or writing board with a list of chores such as making the bed, washing the dishes, putting clean clothes in the laundry basket, and feeding the pets. This is just as important for them as learning to read or write. Give clear and straightforward instructions; you may need to demonstrate the way you want tasks to be completed. Although they may complain, most children enjoy receiving sincere compliments after their chores are completed. Don’t hesitate to let them know when they have finished a task to your satisfaction. Positive reinforcement has been proven to not only improve unflattering behavior but also build self-esteem and confidence while instilling leadership skills. Make your child aware that no human
