How to Raise an Emotionally Healthy Child

Parenting can be tough and one of the top priorities for parents is to raise an emotionally healthy child that is free of fear, insecurity and a lack of self confidence. How do you start the process?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Avoid overreaction. Parents who care about their children in an over reacting way, by not letting them do anything for themselves and instead doing everything for them can create a dependent child who can't learn to stand alone without the help of mom or dad or face problems on their own. Instead, work on problem solving together or having your child help in different activities such as getting dressed, packing lunches and cleaning up toys. Games and songs can make the process even more fun and teach your child how to be independent and feel good about doing things on their own.

2. Talk through fear. It's important for kids to know that they shouldn't touch electric devices, stay away from strangers and not cross the street without looking both ways. Giving them reasons why and making them feel safe as you work through insecurities will help keep an emotionally healthy child who is not in constant fear of the world around them.

3. Watch yourself first. Parents who always become anxious when dealing with new situations can raise children who are always anxious and worried. Children will watch their parents to see how they react to stressful and new situations so remember to handle yourself well and chances are your child will remember and mimic your actions the next time he or she faces a similar situation

4. Never call your child names. Even jokingly calling your child stupid or dumb can cause feelings of inferiority and lead to troubles in emotional health. Again, always be aware of the language you use when little ears are present.

5. Never lie to your child, as hard as it can be, even to tell little white lies. Parents who lie to their children often have children who learn to distrust others but also who mimic the behavior and begin to lie themselves. Again, honest communication with your children will lead to better emotional wellbeing.

Tips & Warnings

• Emotional health for children really starts with the parents. Are you emotionally healthy? Give yourself regular check-ups as you work on the emotional health of your children and family. Get help from positive family and friends in your child's life as well. It is a family and group effort that goes into raising emotionally healthy children! Just being aware in the process is a good start already.

Resources

[counselor40]

on 8/3/2009 I like your tips about child development. Good advice. Five stars and recommended!