As parents, we do everything in our power to make sure that our children are happy, healthy, and secure. This looks different for everyone because parenting styles differ from person to person. It can be overwhelming to think about all of the various influences that affect children’s growth and development, but we’ve narrowed it down to 5! These tips are easy to implement and will positively impact your child as they continue to grow.
1. Lead by Example
Research suggests that the most important factor that influences your child’s development is the relationship they have with their parents. Obviously, the bond between parent and child is of great importance for a multitude of reasons. From the moment they’re born, your child looks to you for guidance and support. Because of this, they also watch your behavior very closely, often mirroring it themselves. With that in mind, make sure that you’re setting a positive example for your child through your everyday actions. Even if they’re still very young, they’re always perceptive of the environment and people around them.
2. Integrate Play
While playing is obviously very fun for your little one, there are countless other benefits that they’ll get from engaging in exciting activities as well. Play is essential for children to learn, explore, embrace creativity, improve social skills, learn how to problem-solve, and much more. Playing is often overlooked because it’s not usually deemed as important as education and/or school-related work. With that being said, the act of playing is, in fact, incredibly educational in itself! Whether your little one is playing dress-up, making a craft, putting on a talent show, or something else entirely, rest assured that they’re gaining incredible skills in the process! Looking for a great place to start? Check out our Live Online Classes! With over 65+ subjects to choose from, there’s something for everyone!
3. Plentiful Nutrition
Eating healthy food is definitely important for your child’s physical health, but it also contributes greatly to their mental health. Making sure that your child is getting enough nutrition will impact their mood, sleep, energy, and overall wellbeing. Sometimes it can be challenging to feed picky eaters, or to know exactly what we should be feeding our children. If you’re unsure of where to start, learn more about the essential vitamins for babies and toddlers.
4. Encourage Being Active
After being stuck indoors for so many months, we’re all getting a little restless. Research suggests that getting outside for even a few minutes every day is essential to keeping us both physically and mentally healthy. Even in these colder winter months, there are still plenty of ways that your child can safely engage in physical movement, indoors or outdoors. Here are 5 great ways to have fun inside for both you and your child! Having some active fun with your little one sets a great example that they will remember as they get older!
5. Embracing Your Community
Childhood and adolescence often come with many challenges, so having a community of support will greatly benefit your little one through their ups and downs. Although we have to stay safe and socially distanced right now, there are still various ways to connect with others! While it doesn’t replace getting to see our friends and family in person, virtual “hangouts” are the next best thing. Through these various relationships, your child will improve their problem-solving and communication skills, as well as many others. By supporting your child to maintain various friendships, you are encouraging their growth as well as their independence. Our Live Online Classes are a great way for your little one to connect virtually with their peers! We even offer themed Circle Times which are focused on improving your child’s social and listening skills, as well as character development.
No matter which of these tips you try, implementing them will undoubtedly benefit your little one in many ways! Try one, or perhaps all five, and watch your child flourish right before your eyes!
