It’s been said many times, but children really should come with a “how to” manual! According to a recent article in the Daily Mail it can take up to 14 months for new parents to adjust to having a baby around. The truth is that most people start having children at a time when they’ve only just figured out how to be a grown up themselves, and in some cases becoming a responsible parent is a very rude awakening.
Don’t panic!
It’s an amazing privilege to raise a family, but at times you may wonder if you’re really doing a good job or merely getting by. It is hard to measure, day to day, whether your efforts are benefiting your children. It can sometimes feel like you’re getting nowhere but take heart, here are a few things you can do for your children that will be beneficial life skills for their future.
- Talk about the big things!
Make time for the big questions when they arise. Topics like what happens when we die? Who is God? Where do babies come from? Giving an opportunity to ask these questions and talk about the answers shows your children you care about the things they think about. It also shows that you’re willing to help them find answers to their questions and if you do it when your children are little they are more likely to feel comfortable coming to you when they’re older.
- Give them jobs to do around the house
You may think that your child is too small to help with the housework but even something as simple as dusting the bookshelf or replacing the toilet roll has its benefits. Helping out builds responsibility and community. It can also encourage a feeling of confidence in their own ability to complete tasks.
- Limit screen time
We live in a media rich time. Television, the Internet, computer games and smart phones are the norm in many families. However, just because these things are present doesn’t mean they should be constantly available. Turn off the TV and show your kids how to better spend their time. Get outside, play a game, read a book or make something. Learning how to keep yourself busy and entertained without the use of an electronic devise is a valuable lesson.
- Show them how to save and be generous
Teaching your children about the value of money is one thing, but showing them how to exercise self-control and save rather than spend, takes their financial education to a whole different level. Encouraging your children to think of donating some of their money to a charity will encourage generosity and also teach them to think about others, not just themselves.
- Make health a priority
Consider the food you put into your own body, as well as your child’s. Talk about what foods are good for you and why physical exercise is necessary. If you are making being active and healthy a part of your family’s culture, you are laying a foundation for your child to have a strong and healthy future.
The right path
It’s never too early to start doing practical things that will teach your child the kind of skills that will make them a happy, well-rounded and capable adult. The Bible says in the book of Proverbs:
Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it
Showing your child through your own actions and habits the right way to approach life is one of the most valuable gifts you can give them. Remember that your actions will speak louder and be more enduring than anything else in your child’s life.